ATM Card and Financial Theft Crimes
Lately I have seen an uptick in credit card and banking related theft crimes in Brooklyn, NY. A common scam often goes something like this - The individual who orchestrates the scam, who we will call the ringleader, propositions an unsuspecting individual, offering a way to make a quick $500.00. The unsuspecting individual is referred to as a mule. The ringleader requests the mule's ATM bank card and PIN number, and instructs the mule to report the card stolen when the ringleader instructs him to do so. The ringleader has in his possession checks stolen from a legitimate business. The ringleader writes a check in the amount of $7,500.00; gives the check along with the mule's ATM card and PIN number to a third person, who then goes to a bank ATM and deposits the stolen and forged check.
Two or three days later the funds are available for withdrawal, and the third party withdraws the $7,500.00 from the mule's account. The mule is paid $500.00 as promised, and the ringleader instructs the mule to report the ATM card stolen, which he does. The ringleader pays the third party a small fee, and keeps the balance of the funds.
Days or weeks later, the bank and the business whose checks were stolen discover the fraud and contact the police. Police arrest the mule, who is easily identifiable beacause the fraudulent transaction was done through his bank account. The mule is often charged with larceny.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a theft crime such as this, you should immediately contact a Brooklyn larceny defense lawyer to defend your interests. Prosecutors often look for the "bigger fish" and the sooner you retain a defense lawyer, the sooner contact can be made with the Prosecutor's Office.