ID Theft Targets Aurora City Council Members
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)- Police in Aurora are investigating a scam that has targeted six city council members. The victims discovered that someone used their personal information to buy high-priced electronics.
Police said the thieves used a website called billmelater.com. It's a PayPal service where customers can order items online.
It's easy to create an account on the site. All that's needed is some basic information, a name and address, date of birth and the last four digits of a Social Security Number.
"I got a letter in the mail stating I owe $1,000 for a camera that I had no clue I bought," said Aurora City Council member Ryan Frazier.
Someone used Frazier's Social Security Number and opened an account with BillMeLater. He wasn't the only one to receive a bill.
"I called the number and the lady instantly knew that your identity has been compromised. You're a victim of identity theft," said Aurora City Council member Molly Markert.
Markert, like Frazier, isn't sure how it could have happened.
"I feel that something's out of place here. Either our systems at the City of Aurora were hacked or someone inside the City of Aurora may have had access to this information," said Markert.
The charges sent to the Aurora City Council members have been reversed. Police in Aurora released a statement that they are in the early stages of what will no doubt be a lengthy investigation.
Council members Melissa Miller, Renie Peterson and Brad Pierce were also victims.
The electronics purchased were shipped to an Aurora address and then to Russia. The person who lives at the home in Aurora is cooperating with police. Attempts to contact BillMeLater were not returned.
Council members said they are taking steps to make sure this doesn't happen again and suggest everyone do the same to protect themselves. Monitor your credit report and keep track of your personal checks, including who receives them. Also, be sure to investigate suspicious bills.
