May 26, 2010
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News: Tinfoil Bandits Foil Getaway
There have been numerous reports on the creative methods that criminals have devised to steal debit and credit card information and identities, but none have been as creative as the recent report on the tinfoil bandits in Janesville, Wisconsin. According to court documents, three thieves allegedly jumped atop a Newville, Wisconsin gas station and used tinfoil to cover the station's satellite dish that transmitted credit card transaction information. Akeem M. Williams, Gregoran P. Mosley and Kwamesha M. Milsap have been arrested and charged for allegedly participating in financial credit card crimes and theft. It is deducted that after the thieves covered the satellite dish they entered the gas station and used several credit cards to purchase beer, cigarettes and soft drinks.
In all, the thieves made nine different purchases with credit cards that would otherwise have been denied. While the card transactions appeared to be approved and receipt issued, they were actually blocked by the tinfoil. Once the tinfoil is removed, the credit card transactions are transmitted and in this case eventually denied. A gas station clerk became suspicious of foul play after noticing that the lottery machines were offline. The clerk was able to provide officers with a description of the three thieves and their vehicle.
The three operated the tinfoil scheme across northern Illinois and through central Wisconsin before being apprehended by a Wisconsin State Trooper. When State Troopers apprehended the alleged criminals, they found credit card payment receipts, items purchased from the gas station, and tinfoil as well as items purchased from other businesses where they had also operated their tinfoil scheme. According to Sheriff Capt Rodd Christiansen of the Rock County Police Department, they are also conducting an investigation involving the three alleged bandits for similar illegal activities. Christiansen said that they have heard of this type of scheme in the past, but this is the first time they have seen it in their jurisdiction.