Deputies Say Highland Plagued By Identity Thefts

A rash of identity thefts has hit Highland Township according to detectives with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Highland Substation.

"It seems like we've taken at least a report a day," Detective James Bowie said. "It's really been unusual. Most have been thefts of credit card numbers."

Bowie said the Highland residents have called after someone has used their credit card numbers in store at places such as the White Lake Meijer, Kroger and Walmart, the Walmart in Hartland and the Meijer in Hartland to buy hundreds of dollars worth of items.

"The victims still have the cards, so we're trying to figure out how the person or persons got the numbers and were able to purchase items in the stores without having the actual card," Bowie said.

The detectives are analyzing store surveillance to try to identify a suspect, according to Bowie.

To protect yourself against identity theft 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.

A similar incident was reported in White Lake on Feb. 7 after a Waterford woman's credit card was used at the Walmart, Batteries Plus and Metro PCS stores in White Lake.

That incident is also under investigation.