News Releases

Detectives Ask for Public’s Help to Identify Credit Card Fraud Suspect; Residents Reminded to Keep Purses and Wallets Close at All Times

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 1st District Patrol Investigations Unit continue to investigate at least three reports in the County of wallet thefts and subsequent fraudulent use of the victim’s credit cards at local stores in Montgomery County.   Today, investigators are releasing surveillance photographs of the male suspect and are asking for the public’s help to identify him.

The investigation by detectives determined that between the months of March and May in 2019, at least three victims reported that his or her wallet, which contained credit cards, had been stolen.  The investigation further determined that the suspect would then use the stolen credit cards to fraudulently purchase merchandise and gift cards at multiple retail stores in Montgomery County and in Washington, D.C.

Anyone with information about this suspect is asked to call the 1st District Patrol Investigations Unit at 240-773-6070 or Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).  Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest in this case.  To be eligible for a reward, tipsters must call Crime Solvers.  Callers may remain anonymous.

The Department urges residents to follow these tips to help prevent having their purse and/or wallet stolen:

• Carry your purse as close to your body as possible and keep it in sight at all times.
• Carry your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Do not become distracted.  Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

rlg/CTJ

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Release ID: 19-284
Media Contact: Rick Goodale 
Categories: credit-credit-theft-andor-fraud