MIAMI (WSVN) - Police are searching for a man and a woman who were caught on video using a cloned version of a credit card belonging to City of Miami Police’s assistant chief.
Assistant Chief of Police Manuel Morales said he realized he was the victim of credit card theft when he received a notification of suspicious credit card use while he was off duty, Feb. 5. The officer said his card was in his pocket at the time.
“I immediately called some of our patrol officers, and they went to the location and were able to secure video of the offenders,” said Morales.
The footage showed a man and a woman with a small dog in her purse at the Coral Way Mall.
Officials said the duo swiped the card twice, once at a PetSmart and the second time at a Bed Bath and Beyond.
“I know they’re not all bad because at the end, when they make that last purchase at PetSmart, they did donate to the pet charity, so on my behalf they were very generous,” said Morales.
He said the trend of economic crimes is on the rise. He was still targeted, he added, even though he always checks ATMs for skimmers and uses credit cards at gas stations instead of debit cards.
“It’s just shameful to see these guys try to take advantage,” said Morales. “There is always a better way. People work hard for their money.”
Morales said he wants his story out there, not only to catch the people responsible, but also to let consumers know they can take precautions and still be victimized, even as someone in law enforcement.
“We are well aware that we are not immune to being victims just because we wear the badge,” said Morales.
He also took the opportunity to remind retail clerks to always ensure customers provide a valid photo ID that matches the credit card they’re attempting to use.
If you have any information on this case of credit card fraud, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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