On Feb. 20, a male caller convinced managers at four Wendy's restaurants in Massachusetts to strip-search employees.
The caller's motive is unknown. Because his targets are mostly restaurants, one theory is that he is a disgruntled former fast-food worker. Some investigators believe he may be a sexual deviant who enjoys exercising power over people.
The searches have included male and female victims. Some businesses have been sued, and some managers have faced criminal charges.
"It's a terrible scam, and we feel badly for everyone who was involved," said Bob Bertini, a spokesman for Wendy's International, referring to the incidents at four Boston-area Wendy's. "The people who were caught up in this scam thought they were responding to direct orders from the police, and the caller in this situation can be very convincing and persuasive."
Authorities believe the hoaxer is one male suspect who uses a phone card. Some calls have been traced to a public telephone in Panama City, Fla. Police there are investigating, but Sergeant Kevin Miller, a spokesman, declined to discuss details.
The March 22 call to the Taco Bell in Fountain Hills, Ariz., is believed to be the first time a customer has been the victim.
In that case, the Taco Bell manager pulled aside a 17-year-old girl who roughly matched a description provided by the caller, Maricopa County Sheriff Joseph Arpaio said. Told she would go to jail otherwise, the girl submitted to the search as the caller remained on the line to direct it.
The manager is on administrative leave while the sheriff's office investigates, Taco Bell spokeswoman Laurie Schalow said.
In Massachusetts, the caller could be charged with rape for one of the Wendy's incidents, said Sergeant Victor Flaherty of the West Bridgewater police, explaining that the rape statute allows charges to be filed against someone for just directing such an act.
Flaherty said the managers in the local cases will not face criminal charges because police "felt they were victims, too."
