3 Arrested In Theme Park Ticket Scam
Police Seek 4 More Suspects
POSTED: 12:45 p.m. EDT July 24, 2002
UPDATED: 9:54 a.m. EDT July 25, 2002
Authorities arrested three people Wednesday on charges that they used stolen credit card numbers to buy large amounts of theme park tickets, which they then sold to independent, off-site outlets, according to Local 6 News.
Officials said Marilu Clement, 38, of Windermere, and Edna Ruiz, 23, and Christian Zeni, 32, both of West Palm Beach were arrested Wednesday and charged with organized fraud, conspiracy to commit organized fraud and identity theft. Four others suspects are being sought in connection with the alleged scam.
A multi-agency investigation found that the group allegedly created phony credit cards using the identities and credit card numbers of legitimate card holders, then used the cards to make purchases, primarily tickets to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
Investigators said that the ring bought bulk amounts of tickets and sold them at discounts to distributors who had retail booths located off theme park property.
While buying and selling tickets was their main objective, ring members also used the stolen credit card numbers for other purchases, including auto parts and medical services, according to the report.
Investigators said they believed identities and credit card numbers were obtained primarily through the use of a device which can be attached inconspicuously to a computer or register at retail stores and restaurants. The captured information was then used to create counterfeit credit cards and identifications.
The investigation began when an informant notified Disney World Security of fraudulent activity.
Watch Local 6 News for the latest on this story.
Officials said Marilu Clement, 38, of Windermere, and Edna Ruiz, 23, and Christian Zeni, 32, both of West Palm Beach were arrested Wednesday and charged with organized fraud, conspiracy to commit organized fraud and identity theft. Four others suspects are being sought in connection with the alleged scam.
A multi-agency investigation found that the group allegedly created phony credit cards using the identities and credit card numbers of legitimate card holders, then used the cards to make purchases, primarily tickets to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
Investigators said that the ring bought bulk amounts of tickets and sold them at discounts to distributors who had retail booths located off theme park property.
While buying and selling tickets was their main objective, ring members also used the stolen credit card numbers for other purchases, including auto parts and medical services, according to the report.
Investigators said they believed identities and credit card numbers were obtained primarily through the use of a device which can be attached inconspicuously to a computer or register at retail stores and restaurants. The captured information was then used to create counterfeit credit cards and identifications.
The investigation began when an informant notified Disney World Security of fraudulent activity.
Watch Local 6 News for the latest on this story.Copyright 2003 by Local6.com.
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