POMPANO BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities are searching for two women who, they said, acquired several Tamarac residents’ credit cards by posing as bank employees.
At a news conference held by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Friday, the victims described how they were targeted. “The lady calls me on the phone and says they’re gonna pick up my card. She said the chip has gotta be changed,” said 77-year-old David Assaf, a Tamarac resident.
Investigators said someone showed up at Assaf’s door on May 22, took his credit card and said they’d be back. They never returned.
“I tell you, I don’t use the word ‘stupid,’ but it makes me [feel] stupid,” said Assaf.
Newly released surveillance video shows the women entering a Wal-Mart and purchasing two 50-inch flat-screen TVs.
Additionally, a Tamarac couple told reporters they were also targeted. “When I got the call, they said that they had somebody in custody, and they were trying to use the Wal-Mart card,” said Danielle Murguia.
Investigators said the women used a Bank of America debit card belonging to Murguia’s boyfriend, Ed Donovan, on June 16.
Authorities said one woman would call the victims and another would come pick up their credit card.
Murguia said the woman with whom she spoke on the phone tried to ease her fears. “She sounded very professional,” she said.
Investigators said the same scam happened in Sunrise. They said the scammers went on a shopping spree after mostly elderly victims were told their credit cards had been compromised.
BSO Detective Nora Schwartz said there is a red flag residents should keep in mind. “Banks do not send representatives to your home to exchange cards, give cards. They just don’t do that,” she said.
If you have any information on these women’s whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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