Caught on Tape: Woman Uses Fraudulent Checks, Steals Thousands from Katy Seniors

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

February 11, 2021

By Natalie Cook Clark

Do you recognize this woman? Authorities are seeking the public’s help to identify a woman who has been using fraudulent checks. As a result of the crime, she has stolen thousands of dollars from senior citizens in the Katy area.

Constable Heap Asks for Your Help

Harris County Constable Ted Heap of Precinct 5 seeks the public’s help in identifying a woman clearly seen in the video below. She has been using fraudulent checks to steal thousands of dollars from Katy seniors. Victims include an 85-year-old woman and a 76-year-old woman.

Caught on Camera

The suspect used stolen identities to order the fraudulent checks. She then used them to pay for numerous items from an air conditioning service to an Instapot.

Investigators with Constable Heap’s Office have obtained store security video showing the suspect.

Suspect Description Seen on Video

In the video, the suspect can be seen using the fraudulent checks to make purchases.

The suspect is described as a short white or Hispanic female. In the video, she appears to be wearing a wig. She has a medium build, fair skin, dark eyebrows and is fashionably dressed.

She is believed to be between 25-35 years old and wears glasses. She carries a beige or light gray purse. She also has several star tattoos on the top of her left wrist.

The suspect drives a gray Dodge Ram pickup truck.

If you recognize this suspect or have information that could aid investigators, email the investigator or notify Precinct 5 through their online crime tips webpage.

“It’s impossible to fully protect yourself from these crooks,” says Constable Ted Heap, “but there are some things you can do to help prevent these crimes.”

Don't Become a Victim

Have your bank send automated alerts to your cellphone whenever your credit card is used.
Set the minimum charge for a notification at just $1.
Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies and ask them to put a fraud alert on your credit report.
Check your mail daily. Do not let it sit in your mailbox for days at a time.
Check your credit report at least once a year.
Shred canceled checks and other financial documents before throwing them away.
Alert your financial institution if you receive an email asking you to reset your password or log in to your account. It may be a scam.