Credit card data breach discovered at 1,175 hotels nationwide
A large-scale data breach involving 1,175 hotels has occurred, placing potentially thousands of customers’ payment information at risk. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the parent company, discovered malware had accessed payment information of cards used at the front desks of certain hotels over several months. Hotels affected include Crown Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express.
The data was accessed between September 29, 2016, and December 29, 2016. As the investigation continues the timespan may increase. The malware was able to mine card numbers, expiration dates, and the internal verification codes. IHG has provided list of hotels affected by state. [For more: kmov.com]
Pair allegedly stole $2,000 of whitening strips
Two men are facing shoplifting charges after being accused of trying to steal over $2,000 worth of teeth whitening strips. Koba Adeishvili, 50, and Aleksandre Khosroshvili, 29, were arrested at a Target in Pennsylvania after being seen by store security attempting to steal clothing items. Police were told by security that the same men had been seen on April 11 filling up a duffle bag with $2,049 worth of teeth whitening strips. They were then seen leaving through self-checkout without paying. Both men face multiple felony charges including retail theft, receiving stolen property, and conspiracy. [For more: WFMZ]
Nevada and New Jersey men accused of stealing $800,000 in advance fee scheme
Three men were arrested for alleged involvement in an advance scheme and stand accused of stealing more than $800,000. Harold Mignott, 54, James Adkins, 64, and Jerrid Douglas, 43, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud by federal prosecutors. The men are believed to have falsely claimed that “their company could provide a standby letter of credit that was backed by Mexican gold bonds”. The men are accused of using the scheme to bilk two people out of $800,000 and spending the cash on luxury cars and watches. [For more: News 3 Las Vegas]
Travel agent sentenced to state prison for stealing more than $350,000 from over 25 Pakistani customers
A Brooklyn travel agent has been sentenced to between two and six years in prison for stealing over $350,000 from 25 Pakistani clients. Acting District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said the 51-year-old Junaid Mirza, “cheated [Pakistani immigrants] out of a lifelong dream of taking a pilgrimage to Mecca.”
Mirza operated a travel agency specializing in travel packages to Mecca, Saudia Arabia. Between late 2011 and 2015, he advertised discounted trips in popular Urdu language newspapers. Victims paid up to $14,000 for packages that were supposed to include airfare, hotels, and visa arrangements. He failed to supply airline tickets and would instead provide victims with printouts and receipts that he passed off as tickets. [For more: Brooklyn District Attorney]
Man involved in retail theft ring sentenced
A 42-year-old man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his involvement in a retail theft ring responsible for stealing millions of dollars’ worth of merchandise. Michael J. Rupert was convicted of conspiracy to commit interstate transport of stolen property along with two counts of interstate transportation of stolen property.
Over 19 people were arrested in the 2014 case, following an eight-month investigation by Evansville Police. The theft ring targeted Dillards, Macy’s and Steinmart, and stole expensive designer wallets and handbags. Rupert would then purchase the bags to sell through his personal business or online using eBay. The group would also purchase expensive electronics using stolen credit cards, return the items in exchange for gift cards, and sell the gift cards to Rupert at half face value. Many of his co-conspirators appeared to be drug addicts supporting habits whom Rupert took advantage of. Rupert also faces two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay back $136,246 in restitution. [For more: Warrick News]
Teens recognized in convenience store armed robbery after police post video to Facebook
Three teenage boys from Georgia were charged with armed robbery after being recognized on Facebook. Butts county officers began receiving a flood of tips, shortly after posting a video of the armed robbery on Facebook. Later, two of the boys’ fathers showed up with the three suspects, all 18 years old. Deputies were able to recover the money bag, but not the gun which the teens claim to have sold already. [For more: The Telegraph]
California again tops in cargo theft
California once again leads the nation in cargo theft activity, according to the latest report from CargoNet. Of the 358 supply chain risk incidents that occurred in the first quarter of 2017, 51 crimes were reported in California. 58% of the incidents involved vehicle theft, 54% involved straight cargo theft, and 7% were identity theft or wire fraud crimes.
The average value of the 192 reported cargo thefts was $149,522 resulting in a total loss of almost $29 million. Taking Texas’ usual place as number two on the list, is Ontario, Canada which had 262% increase in first quarter thefts, at 29 total events. Cargo theft has increased dramatically in the last two years in the province of Ontario, with most crime occurring in Toronto. [For more: Fleet Owner]
ISCPO releases quarterly message
Chairman Rod Fulenwider from the International Supply Chain Protection Organization (ISCPO) recently released a quarterly message to LP, security, and protection professionals about the organization’s recent accomplishments. In the message, Fulenwider announces details for the 2017 ICSPO conference, which will be held in Dallas, TX, from September 12-13. ISCPO launched several new initiatives including the ISCPO Carrier Audit and Certification program along with the Preferred Vendor Partner Program. Finally, the company also updated the website and logo. To read the full message or to become an ISCPO member visit the website. [For more: ISCPO]
