BUFFALO, NY – Tamika Favors, 35, of Buffalo, New York, is facing the consequences for a brazen credit card fraud scheme dating back to 2013. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy handed down a two-year probation sentence today, along with an order to pay $8,000 in restitution. The case, brought by U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., reveals a calculated effort to exploit the financial system.
Favors wasn’t just making a few unauthorized purchases. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryEllen Kresse, the defendant racked up over $8,000 in fraudulent charges using a single Citibank credit card obtained through illicit means. But the scope of the operation didn’t stop there. Investigators discovered Favors had a network set up, receiving a staggering 15 credit cards in the mail – sent to her home and to nearby addresses – all without the knowledge or consent of the legitimate account holders.
Those stolen cards weren’t kept for Favors’ personal use alone. The investigation revealed she distributed the fraudulently obtained credit cards to others, enabling them to make unauthorized purchases and expand the reach of the criminal enterprise. This suggests a more organized operation than a simple case of identity theft, raising questions about potential co-conspirators who remain uncharged.
The U.S. Secret Service, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Lewis Robinson, played a crucial role in unraveling the scheme, working in tandem with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service under Acting Inspector-in-Charge Ray Moss of the Boston Division. The joint investigation highlights the increasing sophistication of financial crimes and the need for interagency collaboration to combat them. Mail fraud is often a key component of these schemes, making the Postal Inspection Service a vital partner.
While Favors received a relatively lenient sentence – two years probation and restitution – the conviction sends a message that such fraudulent activity won’t be tolerated. The $8,000 restitution order aims to compensate the victims of her crimes, though it remains to be seen how much of that money will actually be recovered. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case for any further developments, including potential charges against those who used the cards distributed by Favors.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the credit card system and the constant threat posed by individuals willing to exploit those weaknesses. The Secret Service and the Postal Inspection Service continue to work tirelessly to protect consumers and financial institutions from the devastating effects of fraud and financial crime. The DOJ Western District of New York provided the official press release.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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