Local

Police looking for credit card thief who struck 6 stores in 2 hours

ELIZABETH, Pa. — Authorities in Elizabeth are trying to track down a man who created a new credit card using someone’s credit card information and used it at six stores.

“There were multiple stores that had to have been hit within two hours with transactions of over $100 at each location,” Elizabeth Borough Police Officer Bill Sombo said.

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Elizabeth Borough police said the victim, a Delmont man, began getting emailed receipts from his credit card company, which he first thought was from his wife's charges. However, after seeing five charges at Rite Aids in and around Elizabeth, he called his credit card company and put a hold on the account.

Authorities said the thief had made his way to a Giant Eagle by the time the card was finally declined.

“He actually has a card that is not the victim’s card. The victim never lost his card. It wasn't stolen. He didn't loan it to anybody,” Sombo said.

Police said they aren’t sure how the thief got the victim’s credit information, or how he was able to put that info onto a new card's magnetic strip.

“The beard, hoodie that he's wearing; there's some characteristics that are that are very identifiable,” Sombo said.

Elizabeth Borough police said they are trying to figure out if there are other victims out there and looking for help finding the man.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact police. Callers may remain anonymous.