August 26, 2005 Update
Standard Federal Bank Corporate Security Investigators reported a possible check scam. 4 business checks for $2473.00 each were deposited into a customers account at 4 different branches, one located in Troy. $7299.55 in withdrawals was then made from the account. All four checks came back stolen. The account owner claims someone forged her signature, pointing suspicion to a friend who was doing a favor for the friends friend reference a wire transfer. She gave the friend her account number, but claimed no further knowledge/involvement. The friend claimed no involvement, stating it was the account holder doing the favor for the third party reference a wire transfer. It is suspected that the account holder was recruited to provide her actual account information so the fake deposits could be made, then she would withdraw the funds, splitting them with the others. Investigation continues.
A 14-year-old female from Troy was trying to sell her collection of beanie babies on an Internet auction site to put money toward college savings. She received an offer to purchase for approximately $100.00. The buyer sent two international money orders in the amount of $2400.00 each made out to the seller. The instructions were to subtract the $100.00 for the beanies, keep an additional $40.00 for her trouble, wire the difference in cash to an address in London, England, and send the beanies to an address in California. Suspicious of the request, the seller and her mother did not complete the transaction, but brought the checks to the PD. They turned out to be forged. The checks were originals that had already been cashed, but the actual amounts washed and new/higher amounts printed in.
A resident discovered two unauthorized charges using a credit account number from an account that was his, however he had never activated. The purchases appear to have been made on-line for approximately $263.00.
A resident received a call from a bank rep checking the validity of an on-line credit application using his name and social security number, but to be issued in another name to an address in Detroit. Complainant verified that the application was fraudulent.
Counterfeit Currency, Troy PD Lock-Up, 500 W. Big Beaver, 8/13
A 27 year old female from Warren was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant. During processing in the jail, a counterfeit $50.00 was found in her purse. She claimed the bill was not hers, and that she borrowed the purse from a friend. Secret Service Agent made scene and interviewed her.
Walmart, 2001 W. Maple, 7/13, 4:08 pm.
Loss Prevention Officers reported that a male suspect purchased a DVD player for $311.64 using one credit card, then shortly thereafter a TV for $305.28 using another. He then attempted to purchase a $500.00 gift card at another register, using a third card. When asked for ID, he presented a fake Michigan ID card. The suspect then fled, leaving the credit card and ID behind. The cardholder was contacted, and he advised that his wallet, containing his credit card, was stolen in Farmington Hills on 7/2/05. The banks for the other two cards were contacted; awaiting response regarding status of those cards. Suspect described as a black male, approximately 30 years old.
A resident received an e-mail from someone claiming to be from her check service, indicating that unknown persons attempted to log onto her account. The e-mail requested her personal information. She did not respond, but contacted her check service and was advised the e-mail did not come from them. She changed her account information as a precaution.
Suburban Nissan, 1804 Maplelawn, 7/28, 5:47 pm.
An employee reported that a male subject entered the parts department, represented he was from a collision shop, and purchased $609.04 worth of parts using a personal check that was in the name of and signed by a female. The last name on the check was the name of the collision shop he represented he worked for. The check came back stolen from the female listed thereon.
Footlocker, 348 W. 14 Mile, 8/24, 7:24 pm.
A subject attempted three transactions for a $260.00 purchase first using a Visa card that was rejected, then a gift card that came back declined, and finally a Visa gift card that was accepted. When it went through, the clerk noticed the account number on the card was different from the one reported by the computer as the transaction account number. The clerk proceeded to seek advise from the manager. While doing so, the suspect left. Suspect: B/M, 28 years, 65, 200 pounds.
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