Seven accused of theme park ticket fraud
Alleged Park-Tickets Scam Busted
Thursday, July 25, 2002
ORLANDO (AP) -- Authorities have cracked a crime ring that allegedly used stolen credit card numbers to buy large amounts of theme park tickets for sale to independent, offsite outlets.
Three people have been arrested and four others are still being sought on charges, prosecutors said Wednesday.
"I would have to say this is a substantial case," Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Robert Finkbeiner said. He added that the ring was run almost "like a business."
Arrested were Marilu Clement, 38, of Windermere; and Edna Ruiz, 23, and Christian Zeni, 32, both of West Palm Beach.
The seven suspects are charged with organized fraud, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and conspiracy to commit organized fraud, punishable by up to five years in prison.
In addition, Ruiz and Zeni were charged with multiple counts of identity theft, punishable by up to five years for each count.
According to the Office of Statewide Prosecution, the suspects created phony credit cards using stolen identities and credit card numbers, then used the cards to make purchases -- primarily tickets to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
Investigators said the ring then bought bulk amounts of tickets and sold them at discounts to distributors who had retail booths located off theme park property.
While buying and selling tickets was their main objective, ring members also used the stolen credit card numbers for other purchases, including auto parts and medical services, prosecutors said.
Investigators said they believed identities and credit card numbers were obtained mostly through the use of a device that can be attached inconspicuously to a computer or register at retail stores and restaurants. The captured information was then used to create counterfeit credit cards and identifications.
The investigation began when an informant notified Disney World security of fraudulent activity, Hines said.
It was not known where the arrested suspects were. Finkbeiner said the three had been taken into custody in Orange County, but the Orange County jail said it had no records they were taken there. It could not be determined if they have attorneys.
Alleged Park-Tickets Scam Busted
Thursday, July 25, 2002
ORLANDO (AP) -- Authorities have cracked a crime ring that allegedly used stolen credit card numbers to buy large amounts of theme park tickets for sale to independent, offsite outlets.
Three people have been arrested and four others are still being sought on charges, prosecutors said Wednesday.
"I would have to say this is a substantial case," Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Robert Finkbeiner said. He added that the ring was run almost "like a business."
Arrested were Marilu Clement, 38, of Windermere; and Edna Ruiz, 23, and Christian Zeni, 32, both of West Palm Beach.
The seven suspects are charged with organized fraud, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and conspiracy to commit organized fraud, punishable by up to five years in prison.
In addition, Ruiz and Zeni were charged with multiple counts of identity theft, punishable by up to five years for each count.
According to the Office of Statewide Prosecution, the suspects created phony credit cards using stolen identities and credit card numbers, then used the cards to make purchases -- primarily tickets to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
Investigators said the ring then bought bulk amounts of tickets and sold them at discounts to distributors who had retail booths located off theme park property.
While buying and selling tickets was their main objective, ring members also used the stolen credit card numbers for other purchases, including auto parts and medical services, prosecutors said.
Investigators said they believed identities and credit card numbers were obtained mostly through the use of a device that can be attached inconspicuously to a computer or register at retail stores and restaurants. The captured information was then used to create counterfeit credit cards and identifications.
The investigation began when an informant notified Disney World security of fraudulent activity, Hines said.
It was not known where the arrested suspects were. Finkbeiner said the three had been taken into custody in Orange County, but the Orange County jail said it had no records they were taken there. It could not be determined if they have attorneys.
