International authorities successfully dismantled three major credit card fraud and money laundering networks affecting over 4.3 million victims across 193 countries, with operations leading to arrests and asset seizures worth over €35 million, highlighting the power of global cooperation against cybercrime.
Operation Chargeback, led by Europol and German authorities, successfully dismantled three major criminal networks involved in credit card fraud affecting over 4.3 million cardholders across 193 countries, with damages exceeding EUR 300 million, through coordinated international law enforcement actions and asset seizures.
Elizabeth Gildersleeve from North Carolina was scammed into purchasing fake health insurance plans, leading to $12,000 in unauthorized charges on her credit card, with regulators unable to intervene due to jurisdiction issues.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton was scammed at her home by individuals posing as cleaning workers, charging nearly $4,400 for services not rendered. The incident raised concerns about her health, with police reports suggesting early dementia, which her office disputes. The case is under investigation, and Norton, the oldest member of the House, faces calls to consider retirement amid questions about her capacity.
A Denver man was scammed out of over $17,000 after calling United Airlines' official number to rebook a canceled trip, only to be transferred to a scammer who falsely claimed he needed to pay upfront for refunds. Despite calling the official number, the man was misled into a lengthy call with a scammer, highlighting the risks of phone scams and the importance of verifying contact details. United is investigating the incident, which raises questions about how the scam was executed despite the use of official contact information.
A man was scammed out of $17,000 after calling United Airlines for a flight issue; despite calling the official number, his call was redirected to scammers, highlighting the rising threat of airline-related scams and the importance of verifying contact channels. United is investigating the incident.
A Chuck E. Cheese employee dressed as the mascot was handcuffed by police in Florida for credit card theft after being identified through surveillance footage, with the incident capturing widespread attention online.
A Chuck E Cheese employee was arrested in Tallahassee while in costume for credit card fraud, after a woman reported fraudulent charges traced to him; police found a stolen credit card in his possession, leading to charges of theft and fraud.
A 93-year-old man in Portland was pickpocketed, and thieves used his credit cards to buy $1,500 in gift cards. The suspects, who have committed similar crimes along the I-5 corridor, were caught on video and are being sought by police. The public is urged to help identify the suspects.
Ann Arbor mom Julie Kobylarz tracked down and confronted a suspect who allegedly stole her credit cards at a Trader Joe's, leading to a chase through Briarwood Mall before the suspect was apprehended by her fiancé and bystanders. This was the third time in a year that Kobylarz had been stolen from, and while the suspect was charged, the police strongly advise against confronting potential suspects in cases of stolen property.
A credit/debit card skimmer was found at a Star Market grocery store in Boston, prompting the company to work with law enforcement on the situation. This discovery follows similar incidents at other supermarkets in the area, including Roche Bros. Supermarkets and Market Basket stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
A man's night out in Nashville took a turn for the worse when his wallet, phone, and Rolex were stolen after bringing a woman back to his hotel room. Metro Nashville police are searching for two suspects who used the victim's credit cards to purchase gift cards. Surveillance footage from Target captured the suspects making the purchases before leaving in a black GMC Arcadia. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Congressman George Santos denies new federal charges of credit card fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy, stating that he will fight the charges. Santos claims he did not know the identity of the donors and refuses to make them whole, as it would imply guilt. He blames the ex-treasurer of his campaign for fraudulent reporting and denies any knowledge of lying to the Federal Election Commission. Santos plans to support Rep. Jim Jordan and has no intention of resigning despite calls for his expulsion.
Representative George Santos, a first-term Republican congressman from New York, is facing new charges in a superseding indictment that includes 10 additional felony counts. The charges accuse Santos of stealing the identities and credit cards of campaign donors, charging their cards without authorization, and distributing the funds to his own campaign, other candidates' campaigns, and his personal bank account. The indictment also alleges conspiracy, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud, false statements to the Federal Election Commission, and falsifying records. Santos' campaign treasurer, Nancy Marks, recently pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and admitted to her role in fraudulently reporting a fictional $500,000 loan to Santos' campaign. Santos has pleaded not guilty to the previous charges and is seeking re-election in 2024.
Employees at a Hardee's restaurant in Michigan City, Indiana, allegedly stole customers' credit card information and used the funds to bail inmates out of the LaPorte County Jail. The group made fraudulent charges totaling $14,700 using drive-thru customers' credit and debit cards. The suspects face charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and criminal organizational activity, with potential prison sentences of up to eight and a half years if convicted. The scheme involved photographing customers' cards at the drive-thru window, using them to place money into inmates' jail accounts, and then withdrawing the remaining balance on a jail-issued debit card. One suspect remains at large, and anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.