Two weeks in a row, we have had a significant identity theft related arrest. An officer working burglary suppression late this past Tuesday night, May 9th, came across an occupied car with no license plates parked in front of a home in the 300 block Monte Vista Drive. APD units stopped the car when it pulled away and contacted the driver. The officers saw credit cards, mail, and open packages in the vehicle. Investigation by the officers found the items to be in different names from the area and outside the city. The driver also had issued driver's licenses in two different names but with his picture. Checks, money transfer receipts, social security numbers, and other items related to identity theft were found in the car.

Jun Kuai, a 30-year-old "transient" was arrested and booked at the Arcadia City Jail on multiple felony charges.

After follow-up, Detectives believe Suspect Kuai was able to fraudulently obtain in excess $20,000.00 loss from various victims through assorted means.

Anyone with information on this case or other cases is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5156. Or, if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” mobile app on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org. 

The crime of identity theft is quite often coupled with other crimes. This week saw a case where a suspect was arrested for ID and mail theft, narcotics possession, and attempted grand theft. Overnight on April 24th, officers came across a man sleeping in a car with no license plates behind a commercial business on Baldwin Avenue. The officers woke the man and while talking with him they discovered he was in possession of several California Identification Cards in the names/photos of other persons. The man presented one of the identification cards to officers saying it was him. During their investigation, the officers found items of mail, tax information, and  bank statements belonging to other people, along with Heroin and Methamphetamine inside the car.

Kingsley Shum, a 34-year-old man from Alhambra was arrested and booked at the Arcadia City Jail on felony charges. Detectives continue their investigation and believe Shum to be the suspect in additional identity theft cases.

Anyone with information on this case or other cases is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at 626-574-5156. Or, if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” mobile app on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org. 

Tax season is here! While many folks will have legitimate contact with their tax accountants and the IRS, we would like to remind you of recurring fraud schemes where scammers reach out to you. One of the most wide spread attempts to come between you and your money is by use of phone calls to you where scammers claim to be representing the IRS. Many times, they will threaten you with a law suit or pending criminal action if you don't send payment immediately. These calls can be automated and recorded, directing you to call. Don't fall for these scams!

The IRS will not:

• Call you to demand immediate payment. The IRS will not call you if you owe taxes without first sending you a bill in the mail.

• Demand that you pay taxes and not allow you to question or appeal the amount you owe.

• Require that you pay your taxes a certain way. For instance, require that you pay with a prepaid debit card.

• Ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

• Threaten to bring in police or other agencies to arrest you for not paying.

Visit the IRS website for additional information on scams.

Card skimming involves the unauthorized copying of electronic data from your debit card or credit card. Thieves will use hidden equipment, such as pin-hole cameras and card reading devices to obtain your PIN and card data. The stolen data is then encoded onto a counterfeit card, which is used to withdraw funds or make purchases without your knowledge.

This type of crime can occur anywhere, but most commonly occurs at gas stations, ATM machines, or restaurants. Gas pump and ATM machines can be tampered with and thieves will place devices that resemble the actual equipment on the machine in order to read your card as it is used. Restaurants are used by suspects who carry handheld skimming devices to trap credit and debit card magnetic information. The suspect may be the server of your table. Some restaurants have actually gone to use of portable card readers so that the transaction can be performed at your table, directly in front of you. This type of device helps to secure the transaction for your protection.

There are many resources on the web that give you information on this type of theft and fraud. Read the Wikipedia entry on the topic and it will give you some insight and topics to query. Here is another link to a helpful website, "Bustathief", where they actually have photos of modified ATM machines and what to look for to prevent your information from being taken.

Some quick prevention tips:

• Keep your cards in sight. If the sales clerk moves to a different register, accompany them. This may be difficult at a restaurant but you may consider asking to pay at the register.
• Pay attention to the number of times your card is swiped and make sure that any transaction that is not the actual sale is voided.
• Use the credit option as opposed to entering your PIN.
• Check the machine for any loose or unusual "reader" or equipment. Immediately report any tampered machine or out of order machine to the bank or business.
• Do not accept "assistance" from a good Samaritan at an ATM. If the machine does not properly work, move on!
• Use ATM machines inside the bank or business, visible and open to the public.
• Check your bank records and statements often. Look for unusual or unauthorized activity.
• Report any lost or stolen cards immediately.
• If you see anything or anyone suspicious near an ATM machine, call the local police!