Identity Theft Ring Hit Saks Fifth Avenue Flagship Store
- 10 years ago
Saks Fifth Avenue was among the latest retailers to get hit by an identity theft ring, but in this case it was an inside job.
Saks Fifth Avenue was among the latest retailers to get hit by an identity theft ring, but in this case it was an inside job.
A handful of employees at the Manhattan flagship store have been accused of stealing account information and knowingly using it to procure high-end goods.
Although the breach only affected approximately 50 customers, it resulted in about 400 thousand dollars of fraudulent activity.
It’s said that Tamara Williams, the individual accused of masterminding the scheme, told the employees and rogue shoppers which items to target.
They included shoes and handbags from highly desirable brands such as Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy.
Once procured, the merchandise was handed off at a variety of locations including salons and gas stations.
Some of the luxury goods were sold on the black market and others were returned for store credit, which was then used to pay the alleged participants.
Authorities say that in total there were over 90 transactions, each of which involved the manual entry of account numbers.
Williams has been charged with many crimes including criminal possession of stolen property, grand larceny, and scheming to defraud.
Those believed to be accomplices are facing similar allegations.
Saks Fifth Avenue was among the latest retailers to get hit by an identity theft ring, but in this case it was an inside job.
A handful of employees at the Manhattan flagship store have been accused of stealing account information and knowingly using it to procure high-end goods.
Although the breach only affected approximately 50 customers, it resulted in about 400 thousand dollars of fraudulent activity.
It’s said that Tamara Williams, the individual accused of masterminding the scheme, told the employees and rogue shoppers which items to target.
They included shoes and handbags from highly desirable brands such as Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy.
Once procured, the merchandise was handed off at a variety of locations including salons and gas stations.
Some of the luxury goods were sold on the black market and others were returned for store credit, which was then used to pay the alleged participants.
Authorities say that in total there were over 90 transactions, each of which involved the manual entry of account numbers.
Williams has been charged with many crimes including criminal possession of stolen property, grand larceny, and scheming to defraud.
Those believed to be accomplices are facing similar allegations.