Identity theft perpetrators ran crime ring from prison

Victims of identity theft can attest to the crime being one that can be perpetrated anywhere, at any time and against anyone, underscoring the importance for individuals to keep a watch on bank and credit card statements. In fact, two men recently proved the crime can be committed from a prison cell. Angus Brown and Arman Sharopetrosian, two alleged members of the Armenian Power gang, were recently convicted of participating in an identity theft ring managed from Avenal State Prison in California, the Los Angeles Times reports. As part of the ring, the two men helped other gangs bribe bank personnel to steal the personal information of customers, primarily the elderly, according to the newspaper. Their signatures were then forged and the checks were deposited into falsified accounts. The elderly were the primary targets, as they were deemed less likely to check their bank statements online. However, the duo, along with other 18 other defendants, were indicted earlier this year and recently sentenced to 25 years in federal prison. For many, the holiday season is an even more vulnerable time for consumers. With the increased number of purchases being made, it can be easy to overlook unfamiliar charges. This only further necessitates close scrutiny of bills and accounts.