Police Seek Bethesda Credit Card Fraud Suspect

BETHESDA, MD — Police are searching for a thief they believe steals credit cards from diners at restaurants and uses them at stores around Montgomery County. Investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify the woman, who was captured on store surveillance.

The first theft occurred on Dec. 20 at the La Madeleine Country French Café at 7607 Old Georgetown Rd. in Bethesda. The most recent theft was in Rockville on Dec. 27 at Fuddruckers at 1592 Rockville Pike, police said.

During each theft, the credit credits were stolen from women's purses that were left unattended or hanging over the back of a chair, police said.

The credit cards were then used fraudulently in various stores, such as the Target in Rockville.

The Montgomery County Police Department reminds residents to keep safe while shopping by following these tips:

• Carry a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Carry your closed purse as close to your body as possible.
• Do not become distracted by your shopping. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Park in well-lighted parking lots and park as close to the mall or store as possible.
• Lock your car doors and keep packages hidden in the trunk or under the seats of your vehicle.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash with you – pay with checks or credit cards when possible.
• Try to avoid carrying a large number of bags. Make trips back to your vehicle to store packages in the trunk as you continue to shop.

Anyone with information about this suspect is asked to call police at 240-773-6084 or Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and/or indictment of this suspect. Tipsters will remain anonymous.

Photos via Montgomery County Police Department