site_logo
bannerFranchisee Spotlight

Man Heads to Jail for Falsely Selling In-N-Out Locations

California resident Craig Stevens made more than $4.27 million from sales in the Middle East.

By Nick Powills1851 Franchise Publisher
SPONSOREDUpdated 2:14PM • 11/13/15

Photo Credit: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

There’s no stopping someone with an entrepreneurial spirit—unless you count jail time and the possibility of a lawsuit.

Craig Stevens, a 56-year-old Californian, was selling In-N-Out franchises to investors in the Middle East. For a meager $150,000—plus another $250,000 in royalties—would-be entrepreneurs from Lebanon were able to purchase their very own In-N-Out franchise.
 
However, there are a couple problems with that: Stevens has never worked for In-N-Out, and the company isn’t even a franchise brand.
 
Stevens was sentenced to two years in prison for wire fraud after reeling in more than $4.27 million. Currently, In-N-Out has locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Utah. As of writing, there are no plans for expansion into the Middle East. 

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS

editorial

From Social Work and Telecommunications to Franchising with Seniors Helping Seniors

editorial

Pollo Campero Multi-Unit Franchisee Bringing Central American Flavor to Smyrna, Tennessee

editorial

From Friendship to Franchise: How Two Couples’ Kinship Will Bring Paris Baguette to Newton Square

editorial

From Waiting Tables to Owning a Franchise: How This Entrepreneur Climbed the Ranks at Melting Pot

NEXT ARTICLE