Gotta pay in CASH!
You may want to consider paying in cash: Local retail worker accused of stealing credit card information.
HAMMOND, LA – (September 28, 2017) – Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that the accused- 28-year-old - Earlandria Berry of Hammond, LA.- used a cell phone to take pictures of a patron’s credit card information. Her alleged crime sheds light on a form of fraud that can have costly consequences for cardholders.
When out to eat or shopping, it may be easier to use plastic if you don't have cash on hand, but one local learned the hard way that it can make you a target for thieves looking for an easy payday.
A Hammond woman is now accused of stealing credit card numbers from an unsuspecting customer. TPSO Detectives tracked down alleged fraudulent credit card transactions to 28-year-old Earlandria Berry. The investigation began on September 15, 2017.
Financial Crimes Detective Travis Pittman believes Berry was snapped a picture of the front and back of customer’s debit/credit card when it was handed over to render payment. Berry then allegedly used the stolen information to make two electronic loan payments on a friend’ to Capital One Bank account.
An arrest warrant has been issued for the accused on 1 Count L.R.S.14:67.16 Relative to Identity Theft and 1 Count L.R.S.14:70.4 Relative to Access Device Fraud.
“This is a serious - yet popular crime that we seeing all too often,” says Edwards. Identity theft happens whenever someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. “It can affect the victims' finances, credit history and reputation," Edwards said.
Don’t let anyone get away with this! We urge Tangipahoa Parish residents to protect themselves by checking their credit reports and by checking their bank statements frequently.
Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Berry is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800.554.5245.
