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Police Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) officers broke an account-take-over fraud syndicate and arrested the mastermind and core members yesterday (March 12).
In February this year, CCB received information from some local banks that some suspicious credit card applications were found.
CCB officers mounted a covert operation to investigate these cases and revealed that a suspected cross-boundary identity fraud syndicate applied to local banks for credit card using suspected stolen personal data from other people.
After successfully applied the credits, the syndicate used the credit cards to purchase luxury goods and apply cash advance from local banks.
The operation turned overt last (March 12) evening. CCB officers arrest two men, aged 34 and 35, and a 23-year-old woman in Tsuen Wan District.
During the operation, CCB officers seized a quantity of exhibits including HK$0.2 million, three sets of notebook computers, one scanner, one printer, six credit cards relating to others, six identity documents relating to others, and a small quantity of drugs and drugs taking tools.
Initial enquiry revealed that over 100 persons have been victimized and an estimated loss is over one million.
The three arrested persons are still being detained for further enquiry relating to the offences of theft, using false instrument, conspiracy to defraud, and possession of dangerous drugs.
The police appeal to the public to enhance the security of their mailboxes, especially those situated at buildings with comparatively lenient security measures and without management personnel employed.
They should also pay particular attention to the missing of bank statements or other personal letters and make enquiry with the senders when necessary. When their credit cards are stolen, they should report to the police and suspend the service of the stolen cards immediately.
Building management should also step up patrols at mailbox area and make enquiry with any suspicious persons hanging around. Police is ready for assistance should any problem arising.
Police Report No. 5
Ends/Saturday, March 13, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:40
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