Woman who bought $133K with stolen credit card numbers sentenced to 7 years prison

In recent years, the gigantic leaps forward in technology have been astonishing. Many of us remember the days of “banker’s hours” where you had to go to the bank in person, before 3pm, to conduct your business. Now, with direct deposit, and online payment capabilities, a person can use their cellular phone or ATM card and never have to actually enter a bank once they’ve established an account. Similarly, credit cards – originally given to individuals only with high incomes and impeccable credit – are now used universally by the world population.  Electronic purchases over the phone or internet are commonplace, and when used prudently, credit card and debit cards, have provided a convenient way to conduct business for millions of people.  However, with all great benefits, many problems will arise. Credit card fraud and identity theft are some of these illicit side effects.

Melody Macken, 50 of Irvington, was recently sentenced to seven years in prison for unlawfully using the credit card numbers of other people.  She purchased more than $133,000 worth of handbags, shoes, and other items such as mattresses without the card owner’s authorization.

According to U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman, Macken committed the crimes from February 2010 through November 2011.  Macken would call retailers in a department store and claim to be an employee in another branch of the store. She would ask for personal information of customers such as names, addresses, and telephone numbers and once she had that information, Macken would then call the customer, and armed with the personal information she obtained from the department store, try to convince the customer to reveal their credit card numbers.  When successful, Macken would use those numbers at the original department store she phoned and purchase additional goods.

One of the reasons Macken received such a lengthy prison sentence was that she had pled guilty to a similar crime and was out on bail.  Her arrest on these charges led the court to revoke her bail and place her in prison pending sentencing.  Judge Joel Pisano acknowledged that the earlier infractions influenced his sentence.  Macken must repay $147,592 to the retailers and will have three years of supervised release once she’s completed her prison time.

Technology is beneficial and convenient in many ways. However, it has created new avenues for criminals to take advantage of an unsuspecting public.  It is important to remember: never divulge private, personal information over the phone unless you are certain of whom they are and that information is verified independently.  While your personal bank or credit card company may need information from you to satisfy their attempts to ensure your identity, remember that it is unlikely department stores, or other commercial retail outlets, would need that information.