Created over 1,800 accounts
Police recently arrested a 44-year-old man from Audubon, New Jersey in connection with fraudulent iGaming accounts. Casey Ennis faces charges for allegedly stealing identities to create over 1,800 online gambling accounts.
State Police announced the arrest via Twitter:
Police investigated the matter for 17 months, reviewing the possible identify theft cases. Officials also suspect Ennis of running a fake unemployment benefits scheme.
iGaming account investigation
According to State Police, the Divsion of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) contacted the Financial Crimes Unit to help with an investigation involving a few new, suspicious, online gambling accounts.
Detectives in the Financial Crimes Unit were able to determine that the suspect had stolen identities and used the information to open online gambling accounts with operators based in Atlantic City.
During the investigation, detectives also found that Ennis was operating a scheme involving unemployment benefits, using the identities to claim fraudulent funds. The suspect reportedly created fake bank accounts with the stolen info, transferred money from the claims to the accounts, and withdrew the proceeds in cash.
Search warrant executed
Detectives and state police raided Ennis’ home on May 14. During the raid, officials arrested Ennis and seized several items, including small amounts of methamphetamine and 30 electronic devices.
The suspect faces several charges, including identify theft, computer-related crimes, and theft by deception.
the cost, disruption, and invasion of privacy involved in having one’s identity stolen can be truly traumatic”
Police released Ennis from custody and he must appear in court at a later date. Speaking about the case, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal commented that it illustrates the threat of identity theft, saying: “For individuals, the cost, disruption, and invasion of privacy involved in having one’s identity stolen can be truly traumatic.”
The AG said that efforts would continue to provide resources to investigate and prosecute anyone who commits such crimes.
DGE Director David Rebuck also commented on the incident and identity theft in general. He pointed out that consumers prefer to use a credit card now more than ever, creating more of an opportunity for criminals.
The DGE is attuned to the threat of identity theft and is committed to addressing this issue. The regulator was able to detect this latest incident through specialized detection systems that flagged the unusual activity.