More than 250 people in Fontana, California are victims of identity theft. Two women on probation were arrested on suspicion of mail theft, identity theft and fraud this week.
Officers responded to a call regarding a possible mail theft. They stopped a white Ford Thunderbird suspected in the theft and found a large duffle bag and a backpack filled with mail from nearby homes. Later, a probation search of their home turned up computers, stolen mail, W2s, government ID cards, checks, credit cards and false returns, according to a Fontana Police news release.
As reported in The San Bernadino County Sun, “Denette Alvarez, 33, and Charlina Miller, 37, both of Fontana, were arrested Wednesday and booked into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on suspicion of mail theft and identity theft with the intent to defraud. Both are being held in lieu of $500,000 bail each. They are also being held without bail for allegedly violating the terms of their probation.”
According to a story by the Los Angeles CBS affiliate, Miller was arrested less than a month ago on suspicion of trying to cash a fraudulent check.
Detectives have already identified more than 250 victims of identity theft, but that number could go up as they comb through the evidence.
Cassie Mann, one of the victims who was interviewed for the CBS story, called it a “nightmare.”
“You know you work. You’re a mom. You do all the things you’re supposed to do, and then you’ve to spend time trying to hash out who just got my identity, who’s going through my credit cards,” Mann said.
Both of the suspects were released from state prison in July, just seven months ago. They had been serving time for burglary. After being released, they were being monitored by San Bernadino County Probation.
Police are asking anyone who may have fallen victim or anyone with further information to the case, should call police at 909-350-7700.
Warning Signs
What are some of the warning signs of identity theft? The FTC shares some common ones on its website:
- You see withdrawals from your bank account that you can’t explain.
- You don’t get your bills or other mail.
- Merchants refuse your checks.
- Debt collectors call you about debts that aren’t yours.
- You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
- Medical providers bill you for services you didn’t use.
- Your health plan rejects your legitimate medical claim because the records show you’ve reached your benefits limit.
- A health plan won’t cover you because your medical records show a condition you don’t have.
- The IRS notifies you that more than one tax return was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer you don’t work for.
- You get notice that your information was compromised by a data breach at a company where you do business or have an account.
Are you covered for identity theft?
{GET COVERED}
Image: Pixabay