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Airport checkpoint nabs gang with 518 stolen Wal-Mart gift cards

by Scott Carmichael (RSS feed) on Feb 7th 2010 at 1:30PM

To balance out some of the negative TSA checkpoint stories, I'm always happy when we stumble across some positive stories from the airport. In this story, TSA agents at Nashville airport noticed something strange in the luggage of a passenger, and got the local airport police involved.

Inside the suitcase was a stash of 518 Wal-mart gift cards. When police arrived at the checkpoint, six people were apprehended, but one of the gang members managed to escape and leave the airport. According to Nashville police, the gang used the Wal-Mart gift cards to act as "carriers" for stolen credit card information, and used the cards to purchase other gift cards. The total value of the stolen gift cards purchased could be well over $10,000.

The suspects have been charged with "conspiracy to commit fraudulent use of a credit card and conspiracy to commit identity theft". Because of the extent of their crime, Nashville police are working with the United States Secret Service on the investigation.

It just goes to show how stupid some criminals are - despite managing to find stolen credit cards, and being "smart" enough to fly all over the country to commit their crime, they didn't realize that the airport checkpoint agents may find their collection of gift cards a tad suspicious.

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

duncan Feb 8th 2010 8:41PM

stupid is as stupid does

dan Feb 8th 2010 9:34PM

Since when is it the TSA's responsibility to report suspicious items when they do not in any way jeopardize the safety of the passengers and the crew of a flight? Sounds to me like a search and seizure violation and the charges will be eventually be dropped.

chuck w Feb 8th 2010 9:58PM

I agree with dan.. The tsa's job is to look for explosive devices only..

Caryn Feb 8th 2010 9:57PM

Did it ever occur to you that those same gift cards could be used to purchase contraband that could lead to another terrorist attack? Or perhaps you'd like your credit card information stolen and used for purchasing explosives, etc - and then you'd have to explain it to everyone?

Lita Feb 8th 2010 10:46PM

Ever hear of a little thing called identity theft? Stolen ID can allow you to make purchases of potentially deadly items and remain under the radar. Stolen ID can get you admitted to places (sensitive areas of airports, refineries, laboratories, etc.) that set of a chain of events, the devestation from which we can only imagine. Do you really want to risk that? Here's a wild statement that I hope you can wrap your head around: People who use stolen ID are typically up to no good. "No good" in today's world is more than getting into an R-rated movie or some place that serves alcohol. Get current. (And please, if you have a job, stay in the type of employment that does not require making sure that others are safe.)

duffhessian1776 Feb 8th 2010 11:46PM

sounds like a couple of bleeding-heart leftists! you are problably the type who think cops are wrong if they discover drug paraphernalia when responding to a domestic issue. how sad is it when our mentality has sunk to such depths?!? they are criminals! you have a problem they were busted by tsa instead of another agency? or is your problem that they were busted at all? just shut up and find another country to pollute with your presence.

DanisaJerk Feb 8th 2010 9:35PM

ACLU lunatic.

trip Feb 8th 2010 9:36PM

maybe it was a long southwest flight , and they drink a lot !

JJ Feb 8th 2010 9:55PM

For one I am happy this black gang was arrested. In fact I hope that they spend the next 50 years behind bars.
There is no excuse for stealing someone elses credit card info......period.
For all the effort these miscreants went through to make a few dollars they would have profited more by getting a job at a local burger joint.........but Nooooo.........a job is just not in their vocabulary is it?
These kids are a product of a nanny state that thinks it has all the answers.......now they will get to sit in jail and think about how well they have been served by the liberal socialists that by their political actions breed this type of person.

Lita Feb 8th 2010 10:51PM

You had to throw in "black," didn't you? What has race got to do with this? Had they been white, would it have been okay to let them go? Your words make you a fool, JJ. I am glad when in of societies miscreants are caught so they are no longer able to prey on decent, law abiding citizens. That is how decent people see this. I am sad for you.

jj Feb 8th 2010 10:59PM

Maybe you should look at the picture and tell me what they are.
Anyway it is not my problem that they will be forced to play naked twister in prison somewhere at 3 in the morning with some 450 pound dude that wears lipstick and calls himself "Lucy."

Ron Feb 8th 2010 10:00PM

dan
Feb 8th 2010 9:34PM
Since when is it the TSA's responsibility to report suspicious items when they do not in any way jeopardize the safety of the passengers and the crew of a flight? Sounds to me like a search and seizure violation and the charges will be eventually be dropped

Sorry but the search and seizure option was voided by the Patriot Act. By the way, suspicious items are exactly what the TSA IS supposed to be looking for. Charges will not likely be dropped.

Bill Feb 8th 2010 10:03PM

These young folks need guidance and rehabilitation. 25 years in the slammer should be about right.

Ron Feb 8th 2010 10:13PM

chuck w
Feb 8th 2010 9:58PM
I agree with dan.. The tsa's job is to look for explosive devices only

Explosive devices only? You go ahead and try to board with a box cutter in your carry on. The TSA was formed after 9/11/01 and keep in mind that none of the aircraft involved were brought down by explosives nor were the commandeered by explosives. The skyjackers used box cutters.
Did you forget the TSA's job already? They are more or less law enforcement. Given the number of cards found, that in most books would give any police officer probable cause of a crime being committed.

chuck w Feb 8th 2010 10:31PM

The cockpit doors have been reinforced. Box cutters will no longer bring down an aircraft. I agree these items still need to be confiscated, but the point is, they are not to be looking for drugs etc..

Dale Feb 8th 2010 10:18PM

Let me see!, It is ok to hide behind a corp. and steal billions and not say a word . But if a Black Gang get caught with a thousand dollars worth of stolen credit cards, hang em high. Racism is so blind it makes you STUPID. THINK BEYOND YOUR RACISM, IDIOTS!

Shari Feb 8th 2010 10:36PM

WELL THANKS ALOT FOR GIVING THE OTHER CRIMINALS A HEADS UP! DUH...

elrumba Feb 8th 2010 11:39PM

It just goes to show how stupid some criminals are..........................Hey dump @ss criminals have you ever heard of Fed Ex to mail your cards to next city; pick up cards on other end. Duh.

Bob Feb 8th 2010 10:39PM

so if it's ONLY a thousand dollars worth of STOLEN credit cards it's okay?? Or is it okay because it's a "Black Gang" doing it and because their ancestors were slaves they're entitled?? I don't know what planet you're from but I was taught that stealing is stealing. And if you know that a corporation is doing the same thing get out and say something!
The problem is that we have all become complacent and figure someone else will step up-