Community Outreach, Criminal Investigations Division

Citizen Alert on Online Bank Phishing Scams

The Corpus Christi Police Department has been made aware that several banks were a target of online phishing scams where their customers were contacted by email. The scam went on to ask customers to login to an attached website address, that was not an official bank site. While these types of emails go out on a daily basis, according to FraudWatch International.com, 14 different banks were mentioned on November 8, 2011.

The Corpus Christi Police Department would like to remind citizens to check with their banks directly before giving any information on an online email or follow a request to change usernames and passwords. While many of the emails look legitimate by adding the bank official logos they simply redirect customers to third-party websites in other countries.

Here are few tips to follow regarding online banking:

1. Use https when logging into banking and credit card sites, utilizing a “secure” connection.

2. Don’t be fooled by emails. If you are asked to “reply” to a bank the best option is to pick up a phone and speak to someone directly.

3. Don’t be fooled by fake log in screens. Verify that the page you are on is actually the page of the banking institution that you do business with.

4. Reset your passwords often and make them tough to guess.

If you have received an email, that you believe may be a phishing scam, please contact your bank provider. Most bank websites have email addresses set up to contact them of phishing scams.

SAMPLE WORDING ON PHISHING  and FAKE BANK EMAILS

This is your online banking after verification processing was completed on 11/08/2011.

There are numbers of invalid attempts on your online banking:

This has placed an extra verification on your account .

Subsequent login attempt may have put your account on restrictions .

Please click here (which leads you to a third party site) to continue the verification process and ensure your account security.

Community Outreach, Criminal Investigations Division

Corpus Christi Auto Theft Task Force Offers Free VIN Etching

VIN Etching
VIN Etching

The Corpus Christi Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force will be teaming up with Career Club students from Baker Middle School to providing free VIN etching on Saturday, November 12, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Baker Middle School located at 3445 Pecan Street.

VIN etching involves the use of acid to etch your vehicle identification number into every window of your vehicle and is used as an anti theft deterrent.  It not only provides law enforcement with easy access to your VIN number in the case your call is stolen, it also provides identification in the event your car is being chopped up and sold for parts.   

For more information, please contact PaulaKay Olivarez at 886-2872.       

Baker VIN Etching Press Release

Charlie District

Momma Told Me Not To Run

Occurred on 11/10/11,  5:54 p.m.   Evading Arrest/Wanted Subject   1400 Coahuila     1111100090   

Officers J. Fenner and J. Luera were patrolling  the area of Los Encinos when they observed wanted subject Victor Smith (09/24/91) in the backyard of 1401 Coahuila.

Officers confirmed Smith was still wanted and returned to pick him up.  Upon seeing  the Officers, Smith fled inside the residence.  Smith’s mother told Officers he was inside the residence and would have him come to the door.

As Officer’s were talking to Smith’s mother, he jumped out a window and fled on foot.  A short foot pursuit ensued and Smith was quickly apprehended.

Smith was arrested and charged with an outstanding Nueces County warrant for Possession of Marijuana (No Bond) and Evading Arrest.

Delta District

Waitress Robbed at Knife-point on North Beach

11.09.2011/8:50p.m.    Aggravated Robbery/UUMV    221 Hotel (Fajitaville)    1111090124

A 30-year-old female called Police stating that she had robbed of her money and her vehicle. Police and Medics made their way to the parking lot of Fajitaville located at 221 Hotel.

Officers located the victim who stated that when she walked out to her vehicle ( 2007 Dodge Caliber)  a male approached her and grabbed her from behind. The suspect had a knife in his hand and instructed her to get into her car with him. She did as instructed. During her time inside the vehicle, a struggle ensued between her and the male suspect.

During the struggle with the suspect, the victim was able to get out of the vehicle in an attempt to get away.  The suspect then got out of the vehicle as well, and continued to assault the victim.  The suspect used one of the victim’s  boots to strike her in the face, breaking her nose.  The suspect then took the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene.

UPDATE: The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 25-27 years old, about 5’3″ to 5’5″ and between 150-160lbs. His hair was black, but he was wearing a brown beanie type hat during the robbery. He wore a tan jacket, blue colored jeans and black shoes.

The victim, who suffered injuries throughout her body, was taken to MMC for treatment.

UPDATE: The Corpus Christi Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force received information that the Port of Corpus Christi had recovered the victim’s 2007 Dodge Caliber. The report went on to say that it was floating in the inner harbor at 2121 Navigation. Detectives continue to investigate.

Anyone with information on this Robbery is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS

Adam District

Aggravated Robbery at Local Gentleman’s Club Parking Lot

11.10.2011/2:33a.m.     Aggravated Robbery     5401 Leopard     1111100007

A shots fired call came into the MetroCom Dispatch center stating that a truck had just left “The Cabaret” Gentleman’s Club and was on Leopard Street.

Officers were able to make a traffic stop on a truck fitting the description. They made contact with three individuals in the truck, who were the victims. The driver stated that he had just been robbed.  He informed the Officers that he had been inside of the club all night. When he got ready to leave, he drove around the rear of the building and was waiting for his friends. At that time, he stated that a dark-colored vehicle pulled up behind him and two males approached his vehicle. They pointed guns at him and demanded money from all the occupants and then began beating the driver. The suspects then drove away.

The two suspects were described a Hispanic Males.

The victim was checked out by Medics at the scene and released.

The vehicle is described as a dark-colored Jaguar. Seen here in these Videos.

If you have any information or if you recognize this vehicle we encourage you to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS, or log on at 888tips.com the information you provide could earn you a cash reward.

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Delta District

Nude Dude!

11.8.2011/11:03pm    Disorderly Conduct   100 N. Shoreline     1111080146

Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of N. Shoreline for a male who was walking through the Whataburger parking lot, nude. Officers made contact with him but were initially unable to identify the man, as he did not have an identification card on him, or anything else for that matter.

An Officer who arrived at the scene recognized him as William McGugin (9.27.1981), as he had been contacted earlier in the evening by Officers. During that contact, McGugin was fully clothed. Due to him being nude in public he was arrested for Disorderly Conduct.

This was the 2nd arrest of the night for folks not having clothes on. See the first story: http://wp.me/p1D8kP-xM

Delta District

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service

11.8.2011/8:31pm    Disorderly Conduct    4010 E. Causeway Blvd     1111080135

Two clerks called Police after a female had walked into their store topless. The first time that she walked in without a shirt or bra, the clerks made her leave and asked her to put some clothes on. She returned a short time later, but still without any type of shirt or bra, fully exposing herself. The clerks asked her to leave once again and then they called the Police.

The Officers arrived and were speaking to the clerks when Trudy Mullin (1.8.1961) walked in a third time. This time she had on a jacket but was still exposed. She was arrested for Disorderly Conduct.

Charlie District

Burglar Picks Wrong Home

11.8.2011/3:21pm      Burglary       3208 Caravelle       1111080092

 

A call came in to MetroCom Dispatch for a man who had just broken into an apartment by kicking in a front door. When the burglar saw that the homeowner was home, he left the area. The homeowner called the Police and gave a description of the burglar. An Officer that was in the area, spotted the burglar, who was identified as Mark Meru (10.19.1966) and detained him.

The homeowner then advised Officers that the man they had in custody was the man who had kicked in his front door and made entry into his home. Meru was arrested for Burglary.

Delta District

Two Injured In Accident, Intoxication Assault Investigation Ongoing

Occurred on 11/07/11, 11:15 p.m.  Major Accident/Intoxication Assault    Long Meadow/Saratoga     C1108071/1111070158

Officers responded to a major accident involving a Toyota 4-Runner which flipped over several times.  Upon their arrival, Officers found the Toyota 4-Runner still on its roof.

Witnesses reported to Officers the 20-year-old driver of a maroon 1995 Toyota 4-Runner was driving at a high rate of speed when he failed to stop for the red light.  He was struck by a gray 2008 Toyota Corolla causing his vehicle to flip.  The driver attempted to flee on foot but was detained by witnesses.  

Officers contacted the driver who appeared to be intoxicated, but was not administered Standard Field Sobriety Tests due to his serious injuries.  He was transported to Spohn Memorial by CCFD Emergency Personnel for treatment and a Blood Draw.

The 71-year-old driver of  the Corolla sustained an injury to her foot and taken to Spohn South. 

The Intoxication Assault investigation is ongoing, but the 20-year-old driver was cited with Failure to Stop at Red Light/Designated Place and Expired License Plate.  He was additionally charged with  Open Container and Consumption In Certain Public Places when an open bottle of  liquor was found in the vehicle.

He was also found  to be wanted on a Probation Violation  for Possession of Marijuana.

Charlie District

Accomplice Drags Robbery Suspect and Loss Prevention Officer

Occurred on 11/07/11, 4:26 p.m.   Robbery   5488 S. Padre Island Drive     1111070110

Officers responded to La Palmera Mall for multiple calls involving an abduction, robbery, and theft.  Upon their arrival, Officers contacted J.C. Penny’s Loss Prevention Agent who reported he observed a Hispanic male and Hispanic female shoplifting inside the store.  Both suspects were contacted outside the store as they were entering their vehicle.

The male suspect began to drive off as the female suspect was getting in the vehicle.  The female suspect and the loss prevention agent were  both dragged  across the parking lot.  The male suspect fled in a green Chrysler Sebring.

Elizabeth Villarreal (04/30/68) and the 40-year-old loss prevention agent sustained several abrasions as a result of being dragged.  They were both treated by CCFD Emergency Personnel.

Villarreal was medically cleared at Spohn Memorial and arrested.  She was charged with Robbery.

Further investigation revealed her accomplice’s identity.  Eloy Rodriguez (03/01/67) was located at 1630 Spicewood and arrested.  He was charged with Robbery and an outstanding warrant.   The suspect vehicle, a green Sebring was impounded.

The stolen merchandise valued $580. was recovered and returned to J.C. Penney’s.

Corpus Christi Police Daily Blotter