Suspect Charges Over $12K with Stolen Credit Card Information

Tampa Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect who charged over $12,000 in purchases by using stolen credit card information, according to a news release written by spokeswoman Andrea Davis.

Between Feb. 23 and 25, the suspect used the victim's stolen credit card to buy computers, video games and electronics.  The suspect also received cash advances at ATMs by using the credit card information. A video showing the suspect has been released and the suspect is visible at 5:56 and 7:02 on the clip.

The victim has her credit card, and detectives are unsure how the suspect obtained the credit card information, Davis said.  The suspect may have "skimmed" the credit card information without the victim knowing.

Skimming is the theft of credit card information used in an otherwise legitimate transaction. Criminals take the credit card information and often make cards with the stolen information.

Police described the suspect as a white male, 21-30 years old and standing 5-feet, 8-inches to 5-feet, 10 inches tall. He appears to be between 175 and 200 pounds with a thin beard and thin short hair that is missing a patch on the back of his head.

Anyone with information about this suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS or report it online at www.crimestopperstb.com.