TROY, Mich. – A 30-year-old man from Chicago was arrested in Troy in connection with a large-scale, multi-state identity theft scheme targeting Metro Detroit residents.
The investigation into David Andrew Williams began when police were alerted by a UPS driver who reported a man attempting to intercept a package. Police contacted the intended recipient, and the package was delivered directly to her.
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The same man was reportedly spotted by police approaching the victim’s porch in an attempt to steal the package.
Police said the woman’s debit card had been recently compromised and she was receiving a new one in the mail -- the man had tried to intercept.
The investigation revealed that multiple people across Metro Detroit had received text messages from spoofed numbers informing them their debit cards were compromised and that they needed new cards. The replacement cards were then intercepted, and funds were withdrawn directly from the victims’ accounts.
Troy Police detectives interviewed several victims who reported falling prey to the same crime. Through search warrants and digital evidence analysis, investigators connected Williams to multiple victims and his alleged involvement in the scheme.
Williams was arrested and charged Sept. 21 with identity theft, stealing/retaining a financial transaction device without consent and no operator’s license on person. His bond was set at $75,000.
Police believe the case is part of a larger crime trend, stating Williams has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for identity theft and credit card fraud. He is currently on probation for similar offenses.