A California couple recently went on the Dr. Phil television program seeking his doctoral advice. The couple makes a living stealing toys from local department stores and selling the goods online. It seems like a perfect scam, however, the critical mistake they made was going on a nationally televised program and admitting to it. They were urged by family members to go on the show and seek counseling as they are becoming kleptomaniacs. Immediately after the show aired, law enforcement officers stormed their house and seized stolen goods.

SAN MARCOS, Calif. — A couple who went on national television to brag about making $100,000 shoplifting and selling their loot on eBay is under investigation by federal agents.

Matthew and Laura Eaton of San Marcos appeared on the “Dr. Phil” show last fall to share their story, aided by a video of their three small children accompanying them on a three-day shoplifting binge.

Last week the Secret Service and other members of the multi-agency San Diego Regional Fraud Task Force searched their home and seized toys, a car and other belongings.

Dave Hillen, a detective at the San Diego County sheriff’s office, said he investigated the Eatons for shoplifting before their television appearance.

They appeared on the show, telling Dr. Phil McGraw that they made $3,500 in one week from selling stolen toys. Matthew Eaton called the thefts “easy money.”

I think I can admit that I love a good scam but these people are clearly idiots. Why on earth would you go on national television and admit committing a crime. I guess these people are as dumb as a typical criminal. Maybe they should get some advice from Dr Phil on how not to be morons.

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