PITTSBURGH, PA – In a shocking case of credit card deception, a New Jersey man has been caught using a counterfeit American Express card for a retail shopping spree, racking up a whopping $15,605 in merchandise purchases.
Raymond Hasaan Matthews, a 37-year-old resident of Oaklyn, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud in federal court before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.
According to court documents, Matthews used the counterfeit American Express credit card in November 2011 at Casa D’Oro Jewelers to purchase two watches, among other items, at other stores such as Dicks Sporting Goods and Home Depot.
The investigation leading to Matthews’ guilty plea was conducted by the United States Secret Service.
A sentencing hearing for Matthews has been scheduled for January 24, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The case highlights the growing threat of credit card fraud and the importance of vigilance in preventing such crimes. As a seasoned crime journalist, I can attest that this is just one of many cases of access device fraud that occur every year.
Related Federal Cases
- Raymond Hasaan Matthews, Access Device Fraud, Pennsylvania 2011 · Pennsylvania
- Mei Bao Lu, Access Device Fraud, Connecticut 2014 · Florida
- Irina Segal, Medicare Fraud, Pennsylvania 2023 · California
- Barry Horrow, Bank Fraud, Pennsylvania 2023 · Washington
- Sheila Kahl, Health Care Fraud and Wrongful Access to Protected Health Information, New Jersey 2014 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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