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Credit Card Fraud Leads APD to Hundreds of Stolen Mail Pieces

In early January, an Alameda Police Department (APD) officer took a report of fraudulent credit card use. It was determined the card had been used multiple times without the cardholder’s knowledge, totaling more than $1,700.

Alameda Post - APD officers organize and investigate a large pile of papers on a table during a fraud case
Photo APD / Facebook.

“After following several leads, the officer identified a potential suspect and passed the case along to detectives for further investigation,” an APD Facebook post stated.

APD officers took the suspect into custody as they exited an Alameda post office on January 29. During a search of their home, officers uncovered hundreds of pieces of stolen mail, including ID cards, checks, credit cards, tax documents, and banking information. Many of these items were addressed to Alameda residents. Officers also found burglary and retail theft tools as well as drug paraphernalia.



Detectives are still processing hundreds of pieces of evidence, including nearly 300 personal checks. APD has partnered with the United States Postal Service Inspector’s Office to return unopened mail to the rightful owners.

“We urge community members to regularly monitor bank accounts for any unauthorized transactions or new accounts opened in your name,” APD warned. “If you notice anything suspicious, contact your bank immediately and file a police report.”

Once you have filed a report, be sure to keep a copy of it along with your case number.

Alameda Post - piles of papers on the ground separated by letter of the alphabet
Photo APD / Facebook.

Protect yourself from credit card fraud

To protect yourself from credit card fraud, learn more about it. Phishing, skimming, and cloning are common methods of credit card fraud, Equifax warns.

Phishing scammers send messages online to try to get you to click a link or open an attachment that will give them access to your information or download malware onto your computer. Make sure your computer’s digital security programs are up to date and do not click on any links unless you can verify them, Equifax suggests.

A skimmer is an electronic device hidden within a legitimate card reader without the merchant’s knowledge. It copies the information stored in the credit card’s magnetic strip. Inspect ATMs and gas pumps before you insert your card. “Skimmers on ATMs typically fit over the original card reader. If the reader appears loose, damaged or bulky, do not use it,” Equifax warns. Pay with cash when you can.

Cloning usually occurs after your credit card data has been stolen. If a skimmer captures your card’s information, for example, it can be copied onto a blank card or overwritten onto another stolen card. Make sure your credit has a microchip. If it does, you’ll see a small metallic square on the front of the card. “Unlike a magnetic strip, which simply stores information, a microchip encrypts your account data, making your card much less susceptible to skimming and cloning,” according to Equifax.

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