Dover – The Dover Police Department is urging the public to check their credit card/bank statements and monitor their credit after they arrested two men and are seeking a third in connection with a credit card/identity theft operation, according to Dover Police M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer.
Hoffman said that the department became aware of the operation when management with the Sears store, located at Dover Mall, notified them that an employee was allegedly purchasing gift cards with unknown victims credit card information.
The employee, identified as Jonathan Williams, 22, who was also employed at Best Buy, was allegedly gaining access to credit card and personal information from victims across the country and using that information to make purchases, according to Hoffman.
A search warrant was later conducted at a residence at Country Village Apartments in Dover. As a result, the Dover Police Department arrested Raheem Williams, 23, and William Smalls Jr., 22. Jonathan Williams was not present and is currently wanted by the Dover Police Department, according to Hoffman.
Hoffman said that during the search warrant, investigators located a credit card production site, multiple skimming devices, credit card embossing devices, and numerous blank chipped and non-chipped credit cards. The suspects were allegedly creating duplicate or false credit cards as well as fake state identification cards for the purpose of using them to defraud companies by making purchases, said Hoffman. In addition to the credit card equipment, investigators said they located marijuana in the apartment that was intended for resale.
At this time, it is unknown how many people have been victimized by this operation. The Dover Police Department is strongly encouraging that everyone should pay close attention to their credit card statements, bills, bank accounts, and monitor their credit reports for suspicious activity,
especially if you have shopped at the Dover Sears or Best Buy locations, said Hoffman. You can obtain a free copy of your credit report annually at: www.annualcreditreport.com/.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on-line at http://www.tipsubmit.com or through the DoverPolice Department MyPD Mobile App
Jonathan Williams Age: 22 WANTED for: Possession of a Scanning Device, Theft Over $1500, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia
Raheem Williams Age: 23 Charges: Possession of a Scanning Device, Theft Over $1500, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, Bond: $7,750 Unsecured
William Small Jr. Age: 22 Charges: Possession of a Scanning Device, Theft Over $1500, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, Bond: $7,750 Unsecured
Image Credits: Dover Police