October 1, 2014 For immediate release Contact: Gary Davidson, Public Information Officer Note: Please see attached surveillance images of the suspects SHERIFF’S OFFICE SEEKING HELP IN IDENTIFYING FRAUD SUSPECTS The keypad on the fuel pump looked unusual, with buttons she had never seen before. Still, the 63-year-old woman didn’t think much of it as she gassed up her vehicle last month at a convenience store in DeBary and then swiped her credit card at the pump to pay for the transaction. That is, until five days later, when the victim’s bank alerted her to about $600 worth of suspicious charges on her account. Volusia County Sheriff’s investigators suspect the woman is at least the second victim of what is believed to be a case of credit card skimming. That’s because both victims had unauthorized charges on their accounts even though they were still in possession of their credit cards. Two suspects have been captured on store surveillance systems using the fraudulent credit cards. However, investigators haven’t yet been able to identify them. But they’re hoping someone will recognize the duo and help solve the case before any more unsuspecting people are victimized. And for anyone with information that leads to an arrest, a reward of up to $1,000 is awaiting. The first victim, a 22-year-old Orange City man, reported the fraud to the Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 22 -- one day after he was notified by his credit card company about some possible falsified charges. One was for $529 worth of merchandise that was bought at a Toys R Us store in Sanford. A clone of the victim’s credit card also was used at a Target store in Sanford, but it was declined. The suspects tried two other credit cards while attempting to buy a big screen T.V., but they left the store empty-handed after the other cards also were declined. Witnesses said that during the attempted transaction, the two suspects spoke to each other in what sounded like an Eastern European accent. The second victim reported the fraud to the Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 16. The fraudulent purchases on her account also were made in Seminole County. With both victims, investigators believe their bank or credit cards were run through a skimmer device and then duplicated. In addition to Target and Toys R Us, the suspects also have frequented Publix, Winn-Dixie and Sports Authority stores in the Sanford and Lake Mary area. Anyone who recognizes the suspects or has information about the crimes is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at (888) 277-TIPS. Resident can also text a tip by texting “TIP231 plus the message” to CRIMES. Tipsters who provide information to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000. Anyone who prefers to talk directly to an investigator about the case can call the Sheriff’s Office at (386) 668-3830. However, only callers to Crime Stoppers will qualify for a reward.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 20:14:25 +0000
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