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Chelsea Woman Coughs Up Guilt in $290k Identity Theft Scam
BOSTON, MA – A brazen account takeover scheme that bilked a wireless company out of over $290,000 has landed a Chelsea woman in hot water. Perla Soto, 24, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to conspiring to possess and use false identifications as part of the identity theft operation.
According to the DOJ, Soto was caught on surveillance video conducting 20 transactions in retail stores across the United States, where she posed as customers of the wireless company. The scheme involved using counterfeit driver’s licenses and identification cards bearing the photographs and personal info of the company’s customers to purchase new phones and accessories on their accounts.
Working as part of a larger group, Soto provided the fraudulently obtained phones and accessories to co-conspirators, who then sold them on the black market. The scheme resulted in over 120 customers of the wireless company having their personal info used in transactions.
The charge of conspiring to possess five or more identification documents with intent to use them unlawfully carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy, Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, and John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement.
The investigation into Soto’s scheme is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by identity thieves and account takeover scams. As consumers, it’s essential to remain vigilant and protect our personal info from falling into the wrong hands.
The case serves as a warning to those engaged in similar schemes: the long arm of justice will catch up with you. Soto’s sentencing is scheduled for August 9, 2024.
In a statement, Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy vowed to continue targeting those who engage in identity theft and account takeover scams. ‘We will not tolerate these crimes, and we will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators like Perla Soto to justice.’
Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, echoed Levy’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal info from falling into the wrong hands.
The investigation into Soto’s scheme is a collaborative effort between the DOJ, FBI, and Massachusetts State Police. The case highlights the need for continued cooperation and vigilance in the fight against identity theft and account takeover scams.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Cybercrime|Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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