An illegal alien from Romania was convicted of using electronic devices to break into ATM machines in order to steal cash from welfare benefits accounts meant to assist low-income families in California.
The Department of Justice sentenced Marius Oprea, 38, to 75 months in federal prison for creating counterfeit debit cards in the names of benefit program participants and using the devices to withdraw money from their accounts. sentenced. announced In a press release on April 1st.
U.S. District Judge Maam Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong handed down judgment on March 29, ordering Oprea to pay $28,974 in restitution.
Last June, a convicted thief pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud after he and his associates used counterfeit cards to fraudulently withdraw money from the accounts of California residents receiving assistance. admitted that.
Oprea is accused of being the ringleader of the skimming squad, and prosecutors said he had equipment shipped to a rented post office box. Prosecutors also presented evidence that Oprea maintained a database of accounts and names used to steal funds meant for low-income residents of Los Angeles.
The operation focused on the Bank of America card, which California uses to provide benefits to unemployed and disabled people.
The government added that the state program actually facilitated Oprea’s theft because state debit cards lack certain security features.
“[Oprea] “Those who enter our country illegally for one purpose are to take advantage of the weak security of ATMs that do not require cards that contain computer chips,” the government’s sentencing memorandum states. “He pursued fraud like a full-time job, acquiring thousands of victim accounts.”
This case was investigated by the FBI, Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which focuses on prosecuting individuals and organizations that prey on communities that are less likely to legally prosecute crimes. An investigation was conducted through the Community Task Force. Historically, there hasn’t been much legal recourse to deal with those who target them.
of Recommended by FBI Card users should pay special attention to card slots when using ATMs or card payment devices. Look for hidden cameras that watch you enter your PIN, see if the card slot is out of place or too large, and see if the card slot easily comes loose from the machine’s surface when pressed. .
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