Fort Wayne, IN – The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying a person of interest connected to a recent credit card fraud case. Authorities have released surveillance images of the individual and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Credit card fraud remains a growing concern nationwide, affecting thousands of victims each year. In Fort Wayne, law enforcement has seen an uptick in fraudulent transactions, prompting increased vigilance from both police and financial institutions. This latest case highlights the importance of public cooperation in solving financial crimes.
Details of the Credit Card Fraud Case
According to FWPD, the suspect allegedly used a stolen credit card to make unauthorized purchases at multiple retail locations across the city. The fraudulent transactions occurred over several days, with the suspect targeting stores in high-traffic areas.
Detectives have obtained surveillance footage from one of the affected businesses, showing a person of interest who may be involved in the scheme. The individual appears to be a white male in his late 20s to early 40s, wearing a dark hoodie and jeans at the time of the transactions.
“We believe this individual has information critical to our investigation,” said FWPD spokesperson Officer Mark Thompson. “Credit card fraud not only impacts the victims financially but also creates broader economic repercussions. We’re asking anyone who recognizes this person or has relevant information to contact us immediately.”
How Credit Card Fraud Occurs
Credit card fraud can take many forms, including:
- Stolen Card Information – Criminals obtain credit card details through skimming devices, data breaches, or phishing scams.
- Card-Not-Present (CNP) Fraud – Fraudsters use stolen card numbers for online or phone purchases where the physical card isn’t required.
- Counterfeit Cards – Thieves create fake cards using stolen data and use them in stores or ATMs.
- Account Takeover – Criminals gain access to a victim’s account by stealing personal information and changing account details.
In this case, investigators suspect the suspect either physically stole a credit card or obtained card details through illicit means before making fraudulent purchases.
How the Public Can Help
The FWPD has shared the surveillance images on social media and local crime alert platforms, hoping that someone may recognize the individual. Tips from the public have proven invaluable in past investigations, and detectives are optimistic that community involvement will lead to an arrest.
If you have any information about this case, you are urged to:
- Call the FWPD Fraud Unit at (260) 427-1222
- Submit an anonymous tip via Crime Stoppers at (260) 436-7867 or www.crimestoppersfw.org
- Message the FWPD Facebook page with any relevant details
Even small details—such as recognizing the suspect’s clothing, vehicle, or location—could be crucial in advancing the investigation.
Protecting Yourself from Credit Card Fraud
While law enforcement works to track down fraudsters, residents can take steps to protect themselves:
- Monitor Bank Statements – Regularly check transactions for unauthorized activity.
- Enable Fraud Alerts – Many banks offer instant notifications for suspicious transactions.
- Use Secure Payment Methods – When shopping online, use trusted platforms with encryption.
- Shred Financial Documents – Prevent “dumpster diving” fraud by destroying old statements.
- Be Wary of Phishing Scams – Never share card details via email or phone unless you initiated the contact.
Conclusion
The FWPD’s appeal for public assistance underscores the collaborative effort needed to combat financial crimes. Credit card fraud not only harms individual victims but also strains businesses and financial institutions. By working together, the community can help bring perpetrators to justice and prevent future incidents.
