Man Arrested In Fraud Scheme Targeting Metro Detroit Residents: Police

TROY, MI — A man was arrested in connection with a multi-state identity theft scheme targeting metro Detroit residents, according to police.

David Andrew Williams, 30, of Chicago, was charged with identity theft, stealing/retaining a financial transaction device without consent and no operator’s license on person. He was placed in jail with a $75,000 bond.

Troy Police began investigating after a man tried to intercept a package from a UPS driver. Police contacted the homeowner and had a UPS driver directly deliver the package to the home.

While the package was delivered to the intended recipient, police also saw the same man trying to steal a package from the porch, according to police.

Investigators learned that the resident's debit card numbers were stolen and new replacement cards were being sent through the mail.

A debit card was inside the package the subject was attempting to intercept, according to police.

Investigators then learned that multiple victims throughout the metro Detroit area had received fraudulent text messages from spoofed accounts advising them that their debit cards were compromised.

Replacement cards were then mailed out, only to be intercepted and stolen by Williams.

Once in possession of the cards, Williams would withdraw funds directly from victims’ accounts, according to police.

Investigators interviewed several victims who all reported falling victim to the same crime.

Through search warrants and digital evidence analysis, investigators connected Williams to multiple victims and confirm his involvement in the scheme.

Investigators believe this case is part of a larger, multi-state crime trend. They also said Williams has an extensive criminal history that includes prior convictions for identity theft and credit card fraud.

He is currently on probation for similar offenses.