New twist in identity theft hits Utah mall www.privateofficer.com

New twist in identity theft hits Utah mall www.privateofficer.com

Salt Lake Utah Dec. 4, 2007
A new twist on identity theft has police issuing a warning to retailers to make sure all the I's are dotted and T's crossed when hiring new employees.On Nov. 29, two women showed up at the side door of JC Penny at the Valley Fair Mall claiming they were sent there by a temporary employment agency, said West Valley police Capt. Tom McLachlan.The store did not double check the women's claims and put them to work.About an hour later, employees noticed the women were acting suspicious. When managers questioned the women, one ran out the door carrying a black brief case while the other was detained, McLachlan said.The brief case was found abandoned in the parking lot. Inside was paperwork stolen from the cashier counter that contained personal information that could be used for identity theft, he said. All the missing documents were recovered. A check of the store surveillance camera showed the woman that was removing those items from the cash register, he said.A call placed later by store managers to the temporary employment agency also confirmed the company had not sent either woman to JC Penny.One woman was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of burglary and theft. Detectives continued looking Monday for the second suspect.