Duo suspected of using stolen credit cards in shopping spree

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- Authorities are looking for a couple who are believed to have worked in cahoots to distract a shopper, and swipe her wallet out of her purse before going on a high tech shopping spree with stolen cards.

The victim was shopping at the Ross department store, located at 8022 Mediterranean Drive in Estero, in the early evening hours of June 6 when she was approached by an unknown Hispanic woman.

At the same time the woman was engaging the victim in conversation, a Hispanic man in his 30s abruptly bumped into her shopping cart.  The two then left.

A short time later, the victim went to the cashier to pay for her purchases, only to realize that her wallet had been taken from her purse. Inside the wallet was $200 cash, four credit cards, her military ID and driver license.

Around that same time, the victim’s husband contacted her, stating that their credit card company notified him of an unusual purchase. Around $3,176 was spent at the nearby Apple store on Fashion Drive.

Surveillance video of the store captured images of two individuals purchasing a Macbook Pro and two iPhones with the victim’s stolen credit card. Crime Stoppers is now hoping someone will recognize these individuals so that detectives can speak with them about their involvement in the theft and fraudulent purchases.

Anyone with information on the two persons of interest is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).  All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.  Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.