Major North Texas credit card skimming operation had over 700 victims
Three members of a criminal enterprise that stole financial information from hundreds of victims across North Texas have been sentenced a year after the scam was uncovered, according to the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.
In July an investigation began that uncovered a “sophisticated credit card skimming operation,” according to a news release from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
The investigation led Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center officers to a rental property in Dallas, where they found the suspects manufacturing and distributing skimming devices.
Using a search warrant, officers seized over 150 skimming devices, 237 re-encoded payment cards, 25 fraudulent IDs and passports with multiple identities, counterfeit card-making equipment, and around $50,000 in cash.
Further investigation showed evidence of 783 victims.
Gheorge-Ciprian Hilitanu pleaded guilty to engaging in organized criminal activity and fraudulent possession or use of credit or debit card information, and was sentenced to 30 years in prison, as well as a concurrent 20-year sentence for tampering with a governmental record and unlawful use of a wire or electronic communication.
Victor Tecu and Ionut Firan-Alexandru both pleaded guilty and received 20-year sentences on multiple felony charges related to the operation.
“Behind every financial crime is a Texan whose personal information, financial security, or peace of mind has been compromised. Protecting the public from sophisticated criminal organizations like this one is at the heart of our mission,” said TDLR Executive Director Courtney Arbour. “These convictions demonstrate our commitment, alongside our law enforcement partners, to safeguard everyday Texans.”
The investigation was done by the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center with help from the Texas Department of Public Safety North Texas TAG, the Euless Police Department, the Dallas Police Department, the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, and the Dallas County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.
Consumers can help protect themselves from skimming by inspecting card readers before use, covering the keypad when entering a PIN, monitoring account activity regularly, and promptly reporting suspicious transactions to their financial institution. Anyone who suspects a credit card skimmer on a gas pump can report it online at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/fmq/report-a-card-skimmer.htm.
