News

Ohio men use ATM cards in identity scam

February 29, 2004

CINCINNATI, Ohio - A nationwide identity theft ring was traced to the Cincinnati area after the arrests of two local suspects, Oluwole Okuwa and Oludayo Ashipa.

Police have identified five victims, including one from the Cincinnati area, according to a WLWT report. Other victims were from New Jersey, California, Florida and Colorado; police suspect there could be more.

The Springdale, Ohio, victim, who did not want his name used, said he was swindled for more than $7,000 in a matter of minutes. "I have no clue how they got my checking number," the man said.

According to the WLWTreport, investigators said Okuwa and Ashipa obtained names, street addresses and other personal information with the help of the Internet. Once they had the information they needed, would open post office boxes in the names of their victims and have debit cards sent there. Once they got the cards, they'd create PINs to get full access to bank accounts.

In just one day, the pair took an ATM card and made four transactions, and also bought two money orders, draining $7,000 from the Springdale man's account, according to police. The unnamed victim was reimbursed by his bank.

In all, Okuwa and Ashipa are responsible for a total of $25,000 worth of thefts, according to WLWT.