EVG Gas Station Fraud Update from SMPD

Press Release dated January 3, 2011

On Monday, December 27, 2010, the first Sierra Madre victim reported an identity theft to police after using her credit card at EVG Quality Gas, 50 S. Baldwin Ave. As of Monday noon, January 3rd, Sierra Madre police officers have taken over 175 fraud reports linked to EVG. The total loss exceeds $49,000. These numbers do not reflect others who have been victimized, and have not made a formal report to the Police Department.

About 75% of the cases involved a single fraudulent transaction. All of the single transactions were EVG posted and involved less than $200.00. Most of the multiple transaction cases involved ATM and retail transactions. Six cases involved 6 transactions each, and one involved 9 transactions. Sierra Madre residents comprise about 82% of the victims. The highest loss of an individual case was $3,782.00.

The EVG gas station has been closed since Christmas weekend. Detectives have followed leads in this case daily, including serving a search warrant and interviewing many people. The Police Department is working with several law enforcement and regulatory agencies that are providing additional resources. Chief Diaz is asking that anyone who used a credit or debit card at EVG to check their statements back to at least June of 2010. If there has been a fraudulent charge from EVG Inc., victims should report it to the Police Department.
Chief Diaz reminds the public that identity theft and credit card misuse are among the fastest growing crimes in the country. While there are some precautions consumers can take to lessen the chances of becoming a victim, no one is immune from being targeted.

If residents would like to schedule a Neighborhood Watch presentation, officers can also address identity and credit card theft prevention. For information, please call the Sierra Madre Police Department: 626 355-1414.