DICKINSON COUNTY, Mich. (WZMQ) – Two individuals from Georgia have been arrested for allegedly using fraudulent credit cards to scam multiple businesses in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula out of more than $21,000.
On May 19, the Michigan State Police (MSP) Iron Mountain Post was contacted by a local business and was advised that two individuals had used fraudulent credit cards to purchase thousands of dollars worth of merchandise at various locations where this business had stores throughout the U.P., including in Menominee, Dickinson, and Iron counties.
In partnership with the Iron Mountain Police Department, an MSP investigation revealed that the vehicle the suspects had been driving was seen in the Auburn Hills, Michigan area. A “BOL” was issued for the vehicle, and a short while later, the Auburn Hills Police Department located the vehicle and the suspects at the Great Lakes Crossings Mall. They were arrested and subsequently transported to the Dickinson County Jail where they were lodged.
The individuals have been identified as 34-year-old Jonathan Daniels of Lithonia, Georgia and 28-year-old Shanee Clark of Covington, Georgia.
On May 23, Daniels and Clark were both arraigned on one count of larceny by conversion between $1,000 and $2,000, three counts of uttering and publishing a financial transaction device, and three counts of possession of a fraudulent financial transaction device. Clark was arraigned as a habitual offender.
Daniels’ bond was set at $30,000, and Clark’s bond was set at $20,000, They are due back in court on June 5.
To help other retailers avoid becoming victims of this scam, the Michigan State Police have provided some information for the public. Fraudulent credit cards were allegedly used in these crimes. It’s believed that the purchase of merchandise is made at a store using a fake card. When the payment is processed at the store, an error is found in the system, but the purchase still goes through as a “stand in” or offline transaction. Later, the bank rejects the payment because the card was fake and not linked to a real account. The bank then sends a chargeback to the store, which means the store must cover the cost of the stolen merchandise.
Retailers should always send transactions online to get approval right away. They are advised not to allow “offline” transactions or for the card data to be entered manually. Also, check the card to see if it looks fake or changed. If anything seems suspicious, retailers should call law enforcement immediately.
MSP encourages anyone with further information, including any other potential victims of this scam, to please contact your local MSP Post. Locally, for Menominee, Dickinson, and Iron Counties, the MSP Iron Mountain Post can be reached by calling 906-774-2122.
MSP Iron Mountain Post thanks the other agencies who assisted with this investigation including the Iron Mountain Police Department, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department, Marinette County (WI) Sheriff’s Department, Auburn Hills Police Department, MSP Metro North Post, Dickinson County Dispatch, and MSP Negaunee Regional Communications Center.
