14 DAY TRIAL // Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has revealed that a number of six individuals have been indicted on suspicion of running a skimming operation that targeted the credit cards of restaurants and other establishments from the Chicago area.
Among the locations targeted by the crooks we find Wrigley Field, Magnificent Mile’s RL Restaurant, Taco Bell and McDonald's, the victims being customers of financial institutions such as Bank of America, Fifth Third Bank, Citibank, US Bank, Chase, American Express and Harris Bank.
32-year-old Joseph Woods, considered to be the head of the operation, was aided by Britain Woods, Essence Houston, Jenette Farrar, and Kenyetta Davis with obtaining the credit card details. Because the accomplices were all employed at the various restaurants and attractions, it was easy for them to swipe customer credit cards through small readers provided by Woods.
Alex Houston, the sixth suspect, is accused of helping the mastermind of the operation make fraudulent purchases using the counterfeit credit cards.
If they are found guilty, the defendants face a prison sentence that could count up to 15 years, and this is only for the conspiracy to commit financial crimes charges. Woods is also charged with continuing a financial crimes enterprise, for which Alex and Essence Houston are also indicted.
Finally, Alex Houston, Davis, and Woods are accused of identity theft, which is also punishable with 3-7 years in prison.
“Rogue employees conduct ‘skimming’ operations by stealing customers’ credit, debit and ATM card information. That’s why it’s important that consumers check their credit card bill and monthly banking statements for unauthorized charges and report them to their bank before more damage can be done,” Madigan explained.
The cases were conducted by the United States Secret Services, which benefited from the assistance of the involved financial institutions.