Send Thieves Using Internet To Commit Identity Crimes

Reporter: Lily Wu

Thieves Using Internet To Commit Identity Crimes

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Wichita and El Dorado Police are investigating several cases that involve thieves stealing Kansans' identities and then stealing from local businesses.

"We've got two victims in this aspect. You've got the identity theft victim and then you've got the business that is also a victim because they're out the money," said Lt. Clark Wiemeyer, with the financial crimes section of the Wichita Police Department.

Thieves are applying online for loans with the identities of victims.

"The payday loan situation is kind of unique. People are getting online and they're applying for a loan. Then, they're actually going to the business and attempt to pick up that money with fraudulent identification," said Wiemeyer.

One of the Speedy Cash locations fell victim to this crime. A woman applied for a loan online, showed a fraudulent temporary driver's license, and got away with $500.

"We always caution businesses to be very suspicious of a temporary driver's license 'cause that's exactly what they are, they're temporary," said Wiemeyer. "Couple of things you always want to do is to check the date it was issued on there and see if it's actually current."

Since Jan. 1, there have been 179 identity theft cases in Wichita.

Thieves have been taking people's identities by dumpster diving, skimming, phishing, and stealing people's identities and financial information.

"Be very vigilant about verifying all that information and make sure they have the proper ID, the proper numerous other forms of ID, other than just a fake drivers license," said Wiemeyer.

Police need help identifying this suspect. If you know the woman, call Crime Stoppers at 267-2111. To see her photo, click here.

For more information about identity theft prevention, click here.

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