Hardware

2 Iowa men charged in fake-phone kiosk scheme

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October 6, 2026

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Two Burlington, Iowa, men face charges after police said fake cellphones were exchanged for cash at an ecoATM kiosk inside a West Burlington Walmart, according to a WQAD News report.

Investigators said the scheme involved cardboard models and phone images attached to cardboard or foam. An ecoATM employee alerted police to the suspected fraud in May.

Police identified Jacob Johnson, 35, and Damone Manning, 32, among those allegedly involved. Johnson was arrested Sept. 30 on charges of ongoing criminal conduct, second-degree theft and six counts of falsifying public documents. Manning was arrested Oct. 2 on charges of ongoing criminal conduct, second-degree theft and trespass.

Investigators said the kiosk paid out $6,792 across 89 transactions, while another 46 transactions were denied or canceled. According to court documents cited by WQAD, Johnson told police he used other people's identification to bypass transaction limits. Police said the investigation remains open and additional arrests are possible.