Credit Thieves Work While You Work Out
Health club patrons in the Pacific Northwest had no idea that while they were toning and shaping their looks, their features were being altered even more.
Crime on the Go
Members of an ID theft ring headed by one Gabriel Jung were filching credit cards from gym lockers and skipping merrily out to a mobile lab in the back seat of a vehicle outside. Using photos of ring members, false ID cards were manufactured with the help of a computer and printer in the back seat and matched to each card.
The group apparently used their forged identities and the credit cards to buy high priced items like iPods and computers. They then turned the obtained merchandise around and sold it on eBay, raking in over $3 million in profits. Victims were members at gyms in Washington, Oregon, Colorado and even Georgia.
The FBI stated that they had been tracking the ring for some time. They searched Jang’s house prior to his arrest, finding evidence of the crimes, and one of his alleged co-partners in crime, Billy Britt has also been charged. The FBI stated that they expect more arrests and charges to be made as the case progresses.
Keep Your Belongings Close
Many victims had been unaware of how their information had been stolen. The importance of never taking security for granted is driven home by this case and others like it; many individuals use public facilities and don’t realize the security of such places is easily compromised.
Never leave any of your personal information out where it can be accessed. Don’t depend on lockers unless you have an additional lock with a separate key. When going to work out or play sports, consider locking personal identification in the trunk of your car, or wearing shorts with a Velcro inner pocket; even waterproof ones are available. As always, monitor your credit card bills; that funny charge might not be your wife on a shopping spree!
