Charles Harris, Counterfeit Credit Card Scheme, Maine 2018

PORTLAND, ME – A Bowie, Maryland man is facing a decade behind bars after admitting to running a counterfeit credit card scheme across Maine in December 2018. Charles Harris, 37, pleaded guilty in federal court this week, closing a chapter in a case that highlights the persistent threat of online fraud and its real-world consequences.

According to court records, Harris teamed up with Bryan Boley to rack up purchases at various retail outlets throughout Maine using bogus credit cards. The pair didn’t bother manufacturing the cards themselves; they simply bought the stolen card numbers online – a disturbingly easy process that fuels this type of criminal activity. The Secret Service, leading the investigation, traced the fraudulent purchases back to Harris and Boley, exposing a network built on stolen identities and illicit transactions.

Harris now stares down the barrel of a potential 10-year prison sentence, alongside a hefty $250,000 fine. If released, he’ll also be subject to up to three years of supervised release, meaning even after serving time, his freedom will be monitored. The U.S. Probation Office is currently compiling a presentence investigation report to provide the judge with a comprehensive background before sentencing is finalized. This isn’t a slap on the wrist, but whether it’s enough to deter others remains to be seen.

This isn’t Harris’s first trip to the courthouse. His accomplice, Bryan Boley, already received his sentence in November 2019: 22 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Boley’s sentencing offers a glimpse into the penalties for involvement in these schemes, and underscores that those assisting in the fraud aren’t getting off scot-free. While Boley’s sentence is served, Harris is still awaiting his fate.

The investigation wasn’t a solo effort by the Secret Service. The Maine State Police, alongside local law enforcement from Auburn, Brunswick, Cape Elizabeth, and Yarmouth, all contributed to bringing Harris and Boley to justice. The collaboration demonstrates a commitment to tackling financial crimes that cross jurisdictional lines, and highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in combating fraud.

While the bust removes two players from the counterfeit card game, the problem persists. The ease with which stolen credit card numbers are available online means more criminals will inevitably try to exploit the system. The Secret Service, and local police departments, will remain vigilant, but ultimately, consumers must also protect themselves by carefully monitoring their accounts and reporting any suspicious activity. This case serves as a stark reminder: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

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