ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / ECONOMY & WORK

Amid Skimming Fraud Surge, Agencies Bust Romanian Man's Operation Targeting Low-Income Californians

Authorities warn of increasing skimming fraud cases, latest bust reveals pinhole cameras.
PUBLISHED APR 4, 2024
Cover Image Source: ATM Transactions | Photo by Alexandros Chatzidimos | Pexels
Cover Image Source: ATM Transactions | Photo by Alexandros Chatzidimos | Pexels

The Justice Department recently disclosed details about a Romanian man, who ran a scheme to pilfer bank account information from low-income individuals. Marius Oprea has been sentenced to six years in jail. The man, aged 38, covertly installed miniature devices, known as "skimming" devices, on ATMs in California. These devices, equipped with small card readers and cameras, surreptitiously captured data from debit cards, primarily targeting individuals enrolled in programs designed to aid the impoverished. 

Image Source: Photo by Liliana Drew | Pexels
Image Source: Photo by Liliana Drew | Pexels

Subsequently, the accused and his group utilized the stolen information to unlawfully access unemployment benefits intended for those in need. In recent months, federal prosecutors have intensified their efforts to apprehend skimmers operating across various jurisdictions, spanning states like Florida, Alabama, California, and Nevada. According to data analysis firm FICO, incidents of skimming fraud surged nationwide in 2023, with a staggering 96% increase in compromised debit cards reported.

Skimming instances have increased from 1,100 in 2022 to nearly 1,600 last year, according to FICO. Moreover, the financial ramifications of skimming are substantial, with FBI estimates indicating that financial institutions and individuals collectively lose over $1 billion annually due to skimming-related activities.

Image Source: Photo by RDNE Stock project | Pexels
Image Source: Photo by RDNE Stock project | Pexels

Recently, Oprea pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in a federal court in California, exemplifying the sophisticated methods employed by criminals to extract sensitive bank information from unsuspecting victims at ATMs. Federal prosecutors note that many individuals involved in these crimes hail from foreign countries.

"Skimming activity is on the rise. It's highly profitable, and catching the perpetrators is challenging because they often enter the U.S. illegally and live using fake identities with counterfeit IDs," Andrew Brown, the assistant U.S. attorney handling the case told USA Today

People use bank ATM
Image Source: People use bank ATMs next to a Bitcoin ATM at a shopping mall | Getty Images | Photo by Chris McGrath

Oprea, who is believed to have entered the country illegally, started his ATM skimming enterprise in 2023. His operations came to light on May 12, 2023, when federal officials executed a search at his residence and vehicle in Oxnard, California.

During the search, authorities uncovered a cache of incriminating evidence, including over 20 cloned ATM cards, a card reader, a counterfeit passport featuring Oprea's photo under an alias, and more than 100 cloned ATM card images stored on a cellphone. Federal agents discovered numerous ATM skimmers and pinhole cameras implicating Oprea in the scheme.

The skimming devices, smuggled from Vienna, Austria, were disguised as "audio equipment" and addressed to Oprea and his accomplice before being imported into the United States. These devices, concealed within speakers, were intercepted by European officials in parcels bearing similar descriptions.

Romanian law enforcement authorities provided crucial information to U.S. agents, alerting them to a suspected co-conspirator.

Image Source: Photo by Liliana Drew | Pexels
Image Source: Photo by Liliana Drew | Pexels

The investigation was led by the Vulnerable Communities Task Force, a specialized group dedicated to apprehending offenders who prey on communities with lower crime reporting rates. These vulnerable populations include the elderly, individuals reliant on public assistance, and those hesitant to seek aid from the government.

Through their concerted efforts, law enforcement aims to hold perpetrators accountable and safeguard the well-being of these communities.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
All of the sharks agreed that she had a great product and the drive to be successful a businesswoman.
13 hours ago
It's possible that the dog played a little part in making it easier for them to get a deal.
15 hours ago
Without the help of his wife, the contestant would have gone home empty-handed.
16 hours ago
The pawn store owner had a valid point since the item the guest had brought had numerous issues.
17 hours ago
The contestant got the first part of the puzzle right but wasn't able to solve it in time.
18 hours ago
"It's a lady's robe. A robe from 1750 is a very rare robe. The only other ones I know of this type, you'd have to go to Beijing," the appraiser said.
1 day ago
Harvey also got other hilarious answers, but nothing could match the woman's sass.
1 day ago
The Gronkowski family is famous for their contributions to America's sporting culture.
1 day ago
The expert said that the fossil was well preserved but still wasn't something extraordinary.
1 day ago
The expert revealed that the jewel was from the late-Victorian era with an exceedingly rare stone.
2 days ago
"I wouldn't have gotten this one at all. I only got "of the curve," but that was it," a fan said.
2 days ago
All of the other sharks said no to the entrepreneurs, but Mr. Wonderful saw value in the product.
2 days ago
The contestant might not have expected to even be on stage, let alone play such a great game.
2 days ago
Everyone in the studio loved the four-legged superstar who stole the show for a few seconds.
3 days ago
The founder of "Eat Your Flowers"just couldn't refuse the offer despite having others on the table.
3 days ago
Rick Harrison had several doubts from the start, but they were all cleared later on by his friend.
3 days ago
A fan also commented that they almost fell off their chair after hearing Rosa's answer.
3 days ago
The guest had also brought a couple of personal telegrams sent by the Palace to the original owner.
3 days ago
"I don't understand how people are not paying attention to the last few plays," a fan said.
4 days ago
More than his product, it was his story and his sharpness that impressed every single shark.
4 days ago