July 09, 2010
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News: CO Indicts Six In CC Theft Ring
Colorado authorities cracked a debit and credit card ring that stole millions from banks and businesses in Colorado, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Utah and Wisconsin. Six individuals were indicted in the scheme along with the ringleader, Stacy "Dame Fame" Damon Harris. The ring first acquired a toll free telephone number which they used to scam the businesses when the approval didn't go through as normal. According to court records, the criminals manufactured counterfeit debit and credit card and printed the toll free number on the back. The thieves used the fake cards to get cash advances and purchase merchandise from a number of different merchants. When approval didn't go through as usual, an alert was sent to the merchant to call the toll free number on the back of the debit or credit card. The thief on the other end of the toll free number talked the clerk through a manual over-ride procedure allowing the cash advance procedure to go through.
The game wasn't new to the ring's leader; Dame has been involved with debit and credit card theft for over 15 years. He is the self-professed Chief Operating Officer of the All N Da Doe Records, Keak Da Sneaks label as well as his Fame Management Group who is in a constant search for fresh talent. Of course, that fresh talent means individuals willing to join the debit and credit card theft ring. The Colorado grand jury that indicted the six alleged criminals indicated that as much as $65,000 was taken from Colorado businesses and banks alone. The indictment does not cover banks or businesses in other states.
Also indicted was Tangelar "Tangie" Annette Houston, Dumarco "Deco" Marty, Salina Patrice Lactaoen, Darnell Plazmerell Meals, and Tenisha Nicole Kuykendall. The Colorado Attorney General, John W. Suthers said two of his state's banks were victims of the debit and credit card theft ring. The Dolores State Bank in Cortez and Montrose Bank each lost between $1,000 and $20,000. Mr. Suthers also noted that the indictment literally shut down a significant fraud operation that victimized banks and businesses across Colorado and other states. The six face charges on theft, vehicle theft and violating the Colorado organized crime act. While Lactaoen is the only one of the six suspects to be arrested and is being held at the Montezuma County jail, the other remain at large.