CARY POLICE SEEK HELP WITH CREDIT CARD FRAUD CASE

CARY , NC – After exhausting all leads, the Town of Cary Police Department is asking for your help in identifying a suspect who used a stolen credit card at six Cary businesses on September 21, 2006 .  Police hope that video surveillance of the suspect using the card at Belk Department Store at Cary Towne Center , 1105 Walnut St. , will help solve the case.

Police describe the suspect as a black male, 30-40 years old, 5 feet 8 inches - 6 feet tall with short hair and was last seen wearing a brown baseball cap, white short-sleeve dress shirt with stripes and brown slacks.

In addition to Belk, the suspect used the card at three other mall locations including Genesco, Nak, and Cingular Wireless, as well as the nearby Harris Teeter, 1111 Walnut St. , and TJ Maxx, 681 Cary Towne Blvd.   In each of the transactions, an undisclosed amount of merchandise was purchased.

“Anyone with information is urged to come forward,” said Captain Dave Wulff.  “We also ask citizens to remain watchful of their belongings and cards, especially as we approach the holiday season.”

To help prevent credit card fraud, citizens should be aware of the following tips:

• Sign your cards as soon as they arrive.

• Carry your cards separately from your wallet in a zippered compartment, a business card holder, or another small pouch.

• Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates, and the phone number and address of each company in a secure place.

• Report any questionable charges promptly and in writing to the card issuer.

• Do not leave cards or receipts lying around.

• If you lose your credit or charge cards or if you realize they've been stolen, immediately call the issuer(s).

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,500 for the arrest or indictment of those responsible for committing certain types of crimes.  If you have information, contact Crime Stoppers at 226-CRIM(E) or contact Captain Dave Wulff at (919) 469-4017; you may also visit www.carycrimestoppers.net.  All calls will be kept CONFIDENTIAL at caller's request.

###

Note to media:  Video surveillance is available by contacting Captain Dave Wulff at (919) 469-4017.