Delray Beach Man Arrested for Fraud Involving Worth Avenue Retailers

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Credit card fraud victim
2. Identity theft shopper

Discover the scandalous tale of a Delray Beach man who attempted to defraud his credit card company by claiming his card was stolen on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. This daring scheme involved luxury retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Stubbs & Wootton, and David Yurman. The man’s arrest came after a meticulous investigation by Palm Beach Police, revealing a history of fraudulent claims with American Express. The story unfolds with purchases, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts, leading to the man’s eventual arrest. Dive into this gripping narrative of deception and luxury, showcasing the lengths some go to for ill-gotten gains. Subscribe to Palm Beach Daily News for more captivating stories like this.

The Worth Avenue Scam: Man Arrested in Palm Beach Fraud Scheme

A Delray Beach man’s elaborate scheme to defraud his credit card company by claiming his card was stolen and used without his permission has landed him in hot water with Palm Beach Police. The 29-year-old man’s arrest on March 18 followed an investigation initiated after American Express raised concerns about possible fraudulent activities.

The Allegations

The man had contacted American Express on February 5, reporting that his card had been lost and fraudulently used for 26 transactions totaling a significant amount. American Express, acting on the man’s claims, credited the full amount of the charges back to his account. However, upon further review, the regional manager discovered a pattern of previous fraud claims by the man.

The Investigation

American Express Global Security’s regional manager escalated the case to Palm Beach Police for review. The investigation revealed that most of the fraudulent transactions took place in Palm Beach County, with three of the disputed charges specifically tied to purchases on Worth Avenue.

The Fraudulent Purchases

On January 11, a purchase of $4,595.85 was made at Saks Fifth Avenue on Worth Avenue. Two days later, a fitting or alteration was scheduled for pickup. Subsequently, on the same day, transactions of $1,310.75 at Stubbs & Wootton and $5,564 at David Yurman were also flagged as fraudulent.

The Surveillance Footage

Surveillance cameras captured the man’s black 2019 Maserati SUV near the locations of the fraudulent purchases. The footage showed the vehicle driving around Worth Avenue during the times of the transactions, providing compelling evidence of the man’s involvement.

The Arrest

Following identification by store employees and further evidence from license plate cameras, Palm Beach Police stopped the man as he entered town on March 18 and placed him under arrest. He was subsequently released on $10,000 bond the following day, facing charges of grand theft for the fraudulent activities.

Conclusion

The elaborate fraud scheme orchestrated by the Delray Beach man serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance against financial fraud. The collaboration between American Express and law enforcement highlights the effectiveness of identifying and apprehending individuals engaged in fraudulent activities.