November 27, 2009
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News: CC Fraud; How Do They Do It? 24
Diners in a Columbus, Ohio restaurant are the victims of a debit and credit card theft that police are investigating in hopes of catching the thieves. It appears anywhere from 50 to 100 customers who visited the Tip Top Kitchen in downtown Columbus have filed complaints of unauthorized credit card transactions on their accounts. Police have linked all the victims to the Tip Top Kitchen. It is believed that cyber thieves hacked into the restaurant's computer system and stole the customers' card information. The authorities do not believe that anyone associated with the restaurant is involved with the credit card theft. According to the owners, they have taken steps to assure the problem is solved by changing out hardware, software, and canceling it Wi-Fi service. An investigation remains ongoing.
In Jennings County, Indiana, while police were on the pursuit of a credit card thief they got more than they bargained for. After receiving a search warrant, police went to a home to question a resident who lived there and had been seen on a surveillance video using the stolen credit card to purchase starter fluid when they discovered a working meth lab. Starter fluid is used in the production of methamphetamine. No one was home at the time the police arrived, but officers noticed a strange smell coming from the camper parked on the property. Police discovered the met lab in the camper. As of yet, no arrests have been made in connection to either of the crimes.
In Boise, Idaho the authorities are on the hunt for a credit card thief expected of stealing several cards in a variety of public places. Boise Police Financial Crimes Detectives say the suspect has been viewed on surveillance tapes using the stolen cards to purchase a variety of items. So far, it is suspected that the thief has victimized four individuals. Police are not certain how the thief was able to steal the cards. Meanwhile the investigation continues in hopes that someone will recognize the thief.