Three were busted in a Hoboken “card cracking” scheme where they fraudulently collected debit card information, police said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Shabri H.D. Bond, 25, of East Orange, Shaneka J. Monroe, 26 ,of Jersey City, and Edward J. Mongon, 25, of Hoboken, were all charged with forgery, uttering, theft by deception, theft of identity, and conspiracy to commit theft by deception, according to Det. Sgt. Jonathan Mecka.
Additionally, Bond was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (Psilocybin), possession with intent to distribute Psilocybin, possession with intent to distribute one ounce to five pounds or marijuana, and possession with intent to distribute CDS/marijuana within 500 feet from a park.
At approximately 1:50 p.m. yesterday, the Hoboken Police Department received a call from the Citibank Branch located in 5 Marine View Plaza. A Citibank employee called the department to advise that there was a female in the branch trying to cash a forged check.
At this time, Financial Crimes Det. Ryan Houghton responded to the scene and detained the female in question.
While he was conducting his investigation within the branch, he alerted Sgt. Christopher LaBruno to a vehicle which was illegally parked across the street from the branch. LaBruno approached the vehicle and as he did the occupants attempted exit and leave the area.
LaBruno along with Officers Frank Francolino and Elias Colon were able to stop them and control the scene while Houghton’s investigation continued.
Based on the two on-scene investigations along with the information provided by Citibank the officers were able to uncover a “card cracking” Scheme.
Card cracking is a form of fraud where consumers respond to an online solicitation for “easy money” and provide a debit card for withdrawal of fake check deposits.
Criminals use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to solicit consumers, often targeting people between the ages of 19 and 25 years old, as well as college students, newly enlisted military and single parents.
Customers who respond to these solicitations, now accomplices, provide a debit card, PIN and online credentials to give the criminal direct access to their account.
The fraudster deposits worthless checks using mobile deposit and immediately withdraws the funds at an ATM. The customer then calls to report a stolen card or compromised credentials.
The bank reimburses the customer for funds lost and the criminal provides the customer with a cut of the money withdrawn using worthless checks. Based on this the three individuals who were identified as Bond, Monroe, and Mongon.
Furthermore, the Hoboken Police Department recovered an approximate total of $3,000 dollars believed to be proceeds of the “card cracking” Scheme.
Once the arrest process was completed, Bond and Monroe were released on summons, while Mongon’s charges were placed on a warrant and he was transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
