February 8, 2010
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News: CC Fraud; How Do They Do It?35
A Staffordshire, England detective was arrested in connection with credit card fraud. Sgt. Carmen Hall allegedly stole her husband's credit cards and racked up nearly £10,000. The Detective Sergeant's husband Mark Jones is a Constable with the Staffordshire police department as well. The couple is apparently in the process of divorcing. According to court records, Hall allegedly transferred cash from her estranged husband's credit card on two separate occasions. Hall denies the allegations and pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud and one of perverting the course of justice during a hearing at the Birmingham Magistrates Court. Hall has been placed in a non-operational role at Tamworth police station while the case remains open.
The Public Affairs Company (PAC) Minneapolis, Minnesota (MN) filed a complaint against a former employee who allegedly charged over $15,000 on the organization's credit card for personal expenses. According to a Dane County Circuit Court complaint, Katherine M. Venskus was charged with felony credit card theft and identity theft. Venskus was vice president of accounts at PAC's Madison office and now has her own consulting company with several prominent companies for clients including AT&T Wisconsin and Education Reform Now. Both companies were previously clients of PAC. Venskus has a previous record for forgery after stealing nearly $13,000 from the National Abortion Rights Action League of Wisconsin when she served as President of the Board of Directors. She received four years probation and 160 hours of community service for that offense. A PAC representative said the company was not aware of Venskus earlier conviction when she was hired.
Two Canadians have been arrested for credit card theft of over $30,000 after a yearlong shopping trip. Maryam Alemi and Olexiy Valentinovich Klochko used counterfeit cards to purchase gift cards at Wal-Mart and other stores throughout the area. Police arrested the two suspects at the Wal-Mart in north Lethbridge. Police say the additional charges could be filed.