Deputies, Police Continue to Investigate Credit Card Number Thefts

Last week detectives with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Highland Substation said the department was being inundated with reports of identity and credit card number thefts.

White Lake Police Chief Ed Harris said his department is joining the investigation after some area residents reported similar thefts.

Harris said the cases have several similarities, including an unknown person using stolen credit card numbers at businesses in White Lake and the surrounding area, and victims still having possession of the credit cards being used.

"We're investigating it along with Highland," Harris said. "We know there are some places that all these victims have in common so we are working on those leads."

The latest report came into the White Lake station Feb. 17 when a 55-year-old resident reported her credit card number was used at a Meijer in Utica. She still had possession of the card. Harris said it's likely linked to the others reported in White Lake and Highland.

To protect yourself against identity theft Highland Det. Jim Bowie suggested making sure accounts are up-to-date and said people should monitor their bank and credit card statements every day.

In addition, Bowie said to check credit reports and use common sense when purchasing items online.