Multi-State Fraud Scheme Uncovered
Authorities in South Jersey are advising residents to carefully examine their bank statements following the arrest of a Florida couple involved in an extensive credit card fraud operation spanning multiple states.
Investigators have identified at least 14 victims in South Jersey, with financial losses exceeding $20,000. Law enforcement officials anticipate these numbers will increase as the investigation continues, noting the suspects targeted individuals across the Eastern United States.
Suspects and Their Methods
Franklin Township police have identified the suspects as Olivia Baptiste, 24, and Michael Rampal, 29. They are accused of victimizing bank customers from Alabama to Massachusetts.
"Cases like this - they don't stop here. We have a lot to look into," Detective Sgt. Nicholas Pasculli stated.
According to Pasculli, the fraudulent activity occurred between November and December. The suspects allegedly posed as members of Newfield National Bank's security team, informing victims that their accounts had been compromised.
"They would spend 23 hours on the phone, essentially just confusing them and getting them worked up about their account information to where during the conversation they were able to obtain all the necessary information, including their debit card pin," he explained.
Investigation and Arrest
Police reports indicate the couple traveled from Florida to New Jersey using rented vehicles to execute their fraudulent activities. Surveillance footage captured them purchasing hundreds of dollars in gift cards from Dollar Tree stores and making expensive purchases at Best Buy. Investigators now estimate total losses at more than $22,000.
"That's a lot of money. That's a lot," said Christopher Day of Millville. "I think it's sad because it's around the holidays, and a lot of people are losing out on money."
Through surveillance video and transaction records, authorities located the suspects on Thursday. They were stopped in a rented vehicle in Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, on an unrelated drug charge. Detectives confiscated more than 60 gift cards, 11 cell phones, and a substantial amount of cash from the vehicle.
Security Recommendations
Pasculli emphasized the importance of caution when receiving unsolicited communications about financial accounts.
"My best advice would be to hang up, go to your local branch and verify that the information you're being told over the phone is accurate without giving your personal information out to anybody," he advised.
Newfield National Bank has enhanced its security protocols and posted a fraud alert on its website. Individuals who suspect they may have been targeted by credit card fraud are encouraged to contact law enforcement authorities.
Baptiste and Rampal are currently detained in Dauphin County prison awaiting extradition to New Jersey.
