For six years, Bella Barcode, a social media personality turned convicted scammer, perfected a scheme that defrauded banks and jewelry stores of millions of dollars.
Her operation ran smoothly—until it didn’t.
Now, after being sentenced to seven years in prison, she faces the harsh reality of paying back $1.2 million in restitution.
The Scheme That Made Millions
In a recent interview with Reallyfe Street Starz, Bella Barcode admitted that her scam was fueled by confidence and greed.
“You have to have confidence, you have to go in there and know that this is your money, and you coming out with your money. I never got turned down,” she said.
At her peak, she was pulling in $56,000 a week, successfully hitting multiple banks and high-end retailers without raising suspicion.
“I didn’t think I was gonna ever get caught. Honestly, I really didn’t think I would ever get caught.”
The Power of Appearance
When asked if being a woman gave her an advantage in executing the scam, Bella Barcode didn’t hesitate:
“No. It was easier for a woman to do it.”
Her ability to blend in and exude confidence allowed her to operate undetected for years, cashing in on her scheme time and time again.
Facing the Consequences
Despite her success, Bella Barcode’s downfall came swiftly. With $1.2 million in restitution looming over her, the interviewer jokingly asked if she had considered fleeing like Russell Simmons or faking her death like Tupac.
Her story is a cautionary tale that shows how far one can go before the law catches up.
