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I’m Detective Byron Kastilahn of the Windsor Police. My duties include felony investigations and evidence management. The Detective position is a three year commitment.
One of the many cases a detective investigates is credit card fraud and this last fall we had a significant incident that affected multiple victims in several jurisdictions. Victims were reporting their cards were being used in various places from in the U.S. and abroad. After seeing these reports coming in, I inquired with other area law enforcement agencies to see if they had experienced similar cases and they had. In October, I met with law enforcement officials from the jurisdictions involved as well as the District Attorney’s Offices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service to discuss an investigative plan.
Investigators with the Loveland Police, who bore the brunt of the many fraud reports, found a commonality with the victim’s card usage prior to the illegal activity: Loveland’s MetroLux 14 Theater. MetroLux was advised of a possible breach of their computer servers containing their patron’s card information. They in turn hired a computer forensic analysis company who determined a cyber attack had been launched on the MetroLux data-transmission system.
It is unknown how the suspect got access to the system. The investigation is on-going. A representative of the theater company advised they immediately repaired the breach and their systems are now secure. I saw a movie there just last week, no problems.
Cardholders should never give out personal and financial information to unsolicited or unverified organizations. People who notice suspicious activity on their accounts should report it to their bank immediately. Check your accounts regularly. If you notice suspicious activity call the customer service number on the back of your card to report fraudulent activity and then file a report with police.
Further information about the Town of Windsor Police Department and crime prevention can be found on line at www.windsorgov.com.
One of the many cases a detective investigates is credit card fraud and this last fall we had a significant incident that affected multiple victims in several jurisdictions. Victims were reporting their cards were being used in various places from in the U.S. and abroad. After seeing these reports coming in, I inquired with other area law enforcement agencies to see if they had experienced similar cases and they had. In October, I met with law enforcement officials from the jurisdictions involved as well as the District Attorney’s Offices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service to discuss an investigative plan.
Investigators with the Loveland Police, who bore the brunt of the many fraud reports, found a commonality with the victim’s card usage prior to the illegal activity: Loveland’s MetroLux 14 Theater. MetroLux was advised of a possible breach of their computer servers containing their patron’s card information. They in turn hired a computer forensic analysis company who determined a cyber attack had been launched on the MetroLux data-transmission system.
It is unknown how the suspect got access to the system. The investigation is on-going. A representative of the theater company advised they immediately repaired the breach and their systems are now secure. I saw a movie there just last week, no problems.
Cardholders should never give out personal and financial information to unsolicited or unverified organizations. People who notice suspicious activity on their accounts should report it to their bank immediately. Check your accounts regularly. If you notice suspicious activity call the customer service number on the back of your card to report fraudulent activity and then file a report with police.
Further information about the Town of Windsor Police Department and crime prevention can be found on line at www.windsorgov.com.
