Feedback: Police Investigate Identity Theft At Canton WiseBuys
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Canton police are investigating the theft of thousands of dollars from local bank accounts in what is being described as a major identity theft ring.
The trouble all started when someone apparently hacked into the Canton WiseBuys store computer system during a changeover between December 5 and December 20.
The hacker obtained personal identification and banking numbers of hundreds of customers.
Hundreds of complaints have been coming in almost daily to the police station since the thefts first began being discovered by cardholders in early March.
Police say close to $100,000 was fraudulently taken in what police are describing as an “organized ring”.
Most of the illegal transactions were discovered when customers received their bank statements.
The banks include SeaComm Federal Credit Union, NBT Bank and Key Bank - all in Canton.
Unauthorized transactions ranging from small amounts to as much as $3,000 were spent by suspects in the New York City-New Jersey area on everything from fast food to taxi rides.
The Canton WiseBuys operation, which recently merged with the Hacketts department stores, is the only location in the company’s chain that has been affected by the identity theft fraud.
Hacketts Chief Operating Officer Joseph LaChausse told 7 News that the Canton store finished installing its new system on January 3.
He said customers’ personal information is encrypted and employees have no access to card numbers.
LaChausse said the company is assisting in the investigation and there appears to be no breach of security within the store.
Police said the crime may be connected to a similar security breach that hit the Hannaford supermarket chain.
New York City police have some suspects in custody that may be connected with the local identity theft.
In the meantime, the banks and credit card companies have reimbursed the victims’ accounts.
Police are asking Canton WiseBuys customers who may have used a debit or credit card at the store last December to carefully check their bank statements.
Those finding unauthorized transactions should contact the Canton Police Department immediately at 386-4561.
See John Friot’s report:
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