Theft victim quick on trail of thieves
By Rod Ohira REPORTING LOSSES AND FRAUD Source: Federal Trade Commission
Within two hours of having her wallet stolen Sunday at Waikele Center, thieves had run up nearly $3,000 in charges on Denise Kaehu's charge cards.
Unlike thousands of other victims, Kaehu got lucky.
But it was luck she earned with her own quick thinking.
In Kaehu's case, she gave thieves less than a half-hour head start. Two hours and 20 minutes after Kaehu's wallet was stolen while she was shopping at Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, a Waipahu woman, 24, was in police custody for allegedly trying to use one of the stolen credit cards to make a $349 purchase at Toys "R" Us in Pearlridge.
Police last night were seeking to charge the woman — who is seven months pregnant — on five felony counts, including fraudulent use of a credit card.
Kaehu believes the crime happened in a matter of seconds when she reached down to look at a tile display while shopping at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The wallet was tucked in her purse, which was in her shopping cart. It happened so fast, she said, she didn't realize her wallet was missing until she went to pay for her purchases.
From there, it took Kaehu about 20 minutes to trace her steps and fill out a theft report at the store.
By that time, the illegal spending spree had already started.
As she drove home, Kaehu used her cell phone to report the stolen cards to three banks. That's when she learned how quickly thieves can work. While talking to the credit-card company representative, she was told:
Kaehu was close by, so she decided to drive straight to the Pearlridge store.
"I was hoping they had it on the video camera," Kaehu said. "I talked to the store manager and he was very helpful. He was helping me to fill out a police report."
She learned the thieves had used her card at the store a second time for a $624 purchase. Then, she said, an employee reported, "They're back charging again."
The thieves had returned for a third visit. This time the clerk asked the woman for identification, and when she couldn't produce any managers delayed the woman. A man who was with the suspected thief fled.
When police arrived, Kaehu was within two feet of the woman, who was arrested.
"I was mad," Kaehu said. "It's a strange experience. I wanted to tell her, 'You took my stuff, what's wrong with you. I earned it, worked for it.' "
The Toys "R" Us purchases were for video-game consoles and other equipment, said Honolulu Police Department Detective Gary Lahens.
For her part, Kaehu learned a few lessons. "It's just amazing how many places they hit in a short time," Kaehu said.
"I'd like the world to know that if you're using a debit or credit card, clerks should ask for ID. They should have seen the red flags with my cards: a man using a credit card with a woman's name and a credit card with (a real-estate) company's name on it being used to buy toys."
Lahens said police are looking for two men, whose identities are known, in connection with the case.
Witnesses told police the woman and man drove to Toys "R" Us in a pickup truck. The vehicle is stolen and had fraudulent plates, Lahens said.
There were 2,447 consumer fraud and identity theft complaints in Hawai'i in 2004, resulting in $2,758,876 of illegal purchases. Of the 2,447 complaints, 891 of them occurred in Honolulu.
Most credit card thieves know time is of the essence before a credit card is reported stolen. Seldom do victims respond with the same urgency.
Kaehu, who considers herself cautious, said she plans to carry her wallet in a fannypack rather than purse when shopping.
"I was vigilant but it only takes seconds," Kaehu said of the theft. "I hope what happened to me will help others."
Reach Rod Ohira at 535-8181 or rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.
Advertiser Central O'ahu Writer
