A UPS driver helped thwart an elaborate stolen identity and fraudulent credit card scheme that could have affected hundreds of people in our area, according to police.
The ordeal began Friday afternoon when the UPS driver knocked on James Guerin's door in Evesham Township, New Jersey.
"When the UPS driver came up he was somewhat shaken," Guerin said.
Guerin told NBC10 the driver gave him a fully approved American Express credit card in his name that he never applied for. The driver also told him he thought he was being followed by a man in a white Land Rover. The two men then called police with the driver claiming he had also been delivering an "abnormal amount" of American Express cards.
Officers responded to the area of Goldenrod Lane and approached the suspect, later identified as 40-year-old Priamo Raphael Lopez-Toro of Paterson, New Jersey. Toro allegedly gave conflicting stories regarding what he was doing in the area and why he was following the UPS truck.
After searching the vehicle, officers say they found stolen UPS packages containing American Express Cards and a sheet containing UPS tracking numbers.
An investigation revealed Toro was using residents’ identities to order American Express Cards, and then following the UPS truck and picking up the packages after they were dropped off.
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Evesham Police Lieutenant Joe Friel says Toro has intercepted $80,000 in fraudulent credit and gift cards. Guerin told NBC10 he believes Toro called him after his arrest.
"He asked for Elinor and I said there's no Elinor and I didn't order anything and I hung up the phone," Guerin said. "That was the suspect."
Police continue to investigate how Toro received the victims' information and say more victims could be out there.
Toro is charged with third degree credit card theft and lodged in the Burlington County jail in default of $10,000 bail as the investigation continues. If you believe you are a victim, please call Evesham Township Police at 856-985-4347.
