CPD Financial Crimes Unit

When a telemarketer calls asking for a donation, don’t agree to give right away. Ask questions firstex: how much of your donation goes to the program? Then, do... your own research. This will help you avoid giving to a scammer. More: https://go.usa.gov/xGtW5 #CharityFraudOut2020 #CharityFraudOut See more

Are SMB's too small to be attacked because there is less value in their information? False. In fact, small businesses are more likely to be targeted with ransom...ware Learn more in new post with National Cyber Security Alliance. #BeCyberSmart https://staysafeonline.org/blog/the-impact-of-data-breaches/

From the Federal Trade Commission: "If your information has been compromised, find the next steps to take. But all roads lead to IdentityTheft.gov, so start there to get your recovery plan." Read more: http://ow.ly/cJ2b50BLgk1

"Every year, thousands of Americans are affected by fraud and scamsbut you don't have to be one of them! Sign up for biweekly Watchdog Alerts to have news on the latest scams delivered right to your inbox. You do NOT need to be an AARP member to sign up. Watchdog Alerts are available In English, as well is in a newly-launched Spanish-language version." To sign up for the Watchdog Alert in English visit: https://cp.email.aarp.org/fraudwatchsignup To sign up for the Watchdog Alerts in Spanish visit: https://cp.email.aarp.org/redcontraelfraudeinscribirte

School email addresses are highly sought after by scammers, and maybe even more so if your campus is going virtual this fall. Here’s how to keep safe: https://idtheft.center/CollegeStudentHackers #backtoschool

The Better Business Bureau released a new report about con men posing as Amazon employees who could try to steal personal information.

We are seeing it here too! Please be aware! . "West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey urged consumers to beware of the ever-present Social Security scam and not give in to intimidation tactics used by scammers. This prevalent scam often involves unsolicited calls from someone who claims to be with the Social Security Administration. The impostor tells the consumer their account has been frozen or compromised and will sometimes threaten arrest."

No, FTC Chairman Joseph Simons is not emailing you. Scammers are sending emails pretending to be him though. If you get an email like this, remember it is NOT from the FTC. Report it at http://ftc.gov/complaint. More: https://go.usa.gov/xGAZy #ScamAlert

***PRESS RELEASE*** Offense Title: Financial Transaction Card Theft / Fraud Offense Number: 20-021129 Location: Multiple... Arrested: Holtzclaw, Malik (B/M/22) Charges: Financial Transaction Card Theft (Felony) x 1 Financial Transaction Card Fraud (Felony) x 7 Theft by Deception (Misd) x 1 Brief Narrative: On 9/28/20 the victim reported his wallet had been stolen the night prior. The next day the victim observed approximately $1,700.00 worth of charges and attempted charges to his bank account. The charges were at fast food restaurants, gas stations, and ATM withdrawals. Video surveillance was gathered, including a tag number of the vehicle being operated using the victim's bank card. The investigation led to the identification of Malik Holtzclaw (B/M/22) who was driving a friend’s vehicle during the transactions. Arrest warrants were obtained and taken to the Muscogee County Jail as Holtzclaw is currently being incarcerated for unrelated charges. A Recorder's Court hearing was held on 10/6/20. Probable Cause was found and the case was bound over to Superior Court.

***PRESS RELEASE*** Offense: Identity Fraud, Theft by Deception (Felony), Forgery (1st Degree), False Identification Card Report Numbers: 20-003990 and 20-004518 Victims: Multiple... Arrested: Lorenzo James (B/M/39) On 2/17/20 Michael Stewart reported he received a billing statement for a loan that had been opened through Mariner Finance as well as bank accounts with Regions Bank. The applications were determined to be fraudulent and Stewart’s information had been used to create a fake identification card to open the accounts. On 3/28/20 Thomas Sanders reported he received a billing statement for a loan that had been opened through Mariner Finance and Macy’s Department Store. The applications were determined to be fraudulent and Sanders’ information had been used to create a fake identification card to open the accounts. The investigation led to the identification of Lorenzo James who was also under investigation in the Atlanta area for the same type of incidents. Arrest warrants were obtained and Lorenzo James was arrested on today’s date. A Recorder’s Court hearing is set for 10/1/20 at 0900 hours. Cases Cleared: 2 Charges: 13 Charges: Identity Fraud x 5 Theft by Deception (Felony) x 1 Forgery (1st Degree) x 4 Possession of False/Fraudulent Identification Card x 3

***PRESS RELEASE*** Offense: Financial Transaction Card Theft/Fraud Report Number: 20-020994 Date: 9/26/20... Location: Circle K (215 4th Street) On 9/26/20 the individual in the photoraphs passed a counterfeit $20.00 bill and admitted it to the clerk before fleeing on foot. If you have any information as to the identity of this individual please contact Sergeant J. Edenfieldat (706) 225-4445 or you may message our Facebook page and reference the above listed report number. As always, you may remain anonymous and thank you for your assistance!

***PRESS RELEASE*** Offense: Financial Transaction Card Theft/Fraud Report Number: 20-020608 Date: 9/13/20... On 9/13/20 the victim in this case reported her bank card stolen while she was at Walmart in Phenix City. Her bank card was then used at several locations in Columbus. The suspect for the use of the card is shown in the photographs below. He got out of the passenger side of the dark colored two door sedan which is also shown in one of the photographs. If you have any information as to the identity of this individual please contact Corporal S. Miller at (706) 225-4314 or you may message our Facebook page and reference the above listed report number. As always, you may remain anonymous and thank you for your assistance!