During a four-week period, twenty fraudulent orders, valued at $45,472.78, were placed intended for shipment to the Salem address.
(SALEM) - With the Internet and modern day cell phone services, International identity thieves can attack their victims anywhere in the world, including Oregon.
One case that the Salem Police Department worked last month involves an ID thief and four dentists from Bend, Portland, Milwaukie and Albany.
Salem Police say it began when a man with a Middle Eastern accent who is familiar with dental jargon ordered dental implant materials over the telephone.
They say he represented himself as the dentist, claiming he was opening a new office in Salem, while using the dentist’s name and home office information.
Police say that when the dentist did not already have an account with the dental supply vendor, the suspect used a stolen credit card number, asking for the products to be shipped overnight to the Salem office, which actually turned out to be a rental house.
Investigators say that just prior to the beginning of the deliveries, an accomplice arrived from Texas for a visit with the resident of the Salem house, and was paid money for each package that was re-shipped out of the country.
During a four-week period, twenty fraudulent orders, valued at $45,472.78, were placed intended for shipment to the Salem address.
The orders involved the four Oregon dentists and nine dental supply vendors throughout the United States.
The re-shipper was arrested.
TIPS for Individuals:
Do not re-ship merchandise or checks for anyone, especially if you meet the person via the Internet.
Do not accept Internet offers to open an “AT HOME” re-shipping business. It is probably a SCAM, and you may get arrested.
If you receive a package, and it is addressed to a person who does not live or work at your address, do not accept the package.
If you believe a package is related to fraud or theft, contact your local law enforcement agency.
Odds are you will become a victim of Identity Theft.
Everyone should monitor his or her credit report each year.
You can order a free copy of your credit report each year at www.annualcreditreport.com.
TIPS for Businesses:
If you own a business, there is enough information available on the Internet and through other resources to commit identity theft against you or your business. Prevention is the key reducing your losses.
Establish and enforce security protocol for all customer, vendor and data files. Statistically, 70% of identity thefts occur because of dishonest employees.
Verify all accounts payable invoices. Watch for alternate shipping addresses.
If you are a vendor, verify all orders that are shipped to an address other than established shipping addresses. Verify new shipping addresses.
If you own a business and your business becomes a victim of fraud, you may also become the personal victim of Identity Theft.
The identity thief also personally attacked one of the mentioned dentists.
For more information on other common frauds, visit the Salem Police Departments website,
www.cityofsalem.net/departments/police
Click on the quick link entitled “Fraud Tips”.
Four Oregon Dentists Fall Victim to International Fraud RingSalem-News.com