Many fraud cases are interesting, but this one is directly down the strikezone of a recent Mercator Advisory Report on Disputes and the importance of Account alerts.
From the thriving metropolis of Mishawaka, Indiana (population 49,177) ABC News reports.
- MISHAWAKA, Ind.—A locksmith allegedly burglarized his mother’s neighbors’ home on December 6.
- Upon arrival, Gary and Sandra Lack informed officers that they had been out to dinner when they received an e-mail alert that their credit card had been used.
- They cancelled the card knowing it was not authorized.
- When the Lacks returned home, they found a number of items missing from their home including a handgun, a shotgun, and other credit cards.
Happy Holiday. Mom’s house?
- Detectives learned that the credit cards had been used at a Meijer’s Store and surveillance video showed the identity of the individual using the credit card without permission.
- Steven William Lowel was positively identified by his mother, the Lack’s neighbor, as the individual in the video.
- Officers learned that Lowel is a locksmith.
So think about it. The thief takes from his mother. Why of all people, when you are a locksmith? So many other targets.
- During a search of Lowel’s home, police found the missing items taken from the Lack’s home.
- Lowel was arrested on December 13 and charged with one count of burglary, one count of fraud, and one count of theft.
- He was released on December 15 on a $5,000 bond and is due back in court on January 7 for an initial hearing.
Enough about familial problems. Take a look at the new report on disputes!
Overview by Brian Riley, Director, Credit Advisory Service at Mercator Advisory Group