FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Police in South Jersey are warning residents to check their bank statements after a Florida couple was arrested in connection with a multi-state credit card fraud scheme.
Authorities say at least 14 victims have been identified in South Jersey, with more than $20,000 stolen so far. Investigators believe the scam may have affected additional victims along the East Coast, from Alabama to Massachusetts.
The suspects, Olivia Baptiste, 24, and Michael Rampal, 29, allegedly impersonated members of Newfield National Bank’s security team between November and December. Police say they convinced victims that their accounts were compromised, obtaining sensitive information including debit card PINs.
Detective Sgt. Nicholas Pasculli said the couple would spend long hours on the phone, confusing victims before using the information to steal funds. Police allege they then drove rented vehicles from Florida to New Jersey to make purchases, including hundreds of dollars in gift cards at Dollar Tree and high-priced items at Best Buy. Investigators estimate total losses exceeded $22,000.
The suspects were located after being pulled over in Lower Paxton Township on an unrelated drug charge. Police recovered more than 60 gift cards, 11 cell phones, and a significant amount of cash.
Pasculli urged residents to verify any suspicious calls with their bank in person and avoid giving personal information over the phone.
Newfield National Bank has since strengthened security measures and posted a fraud alert online. Baptiste and Rampal are being held in Dauphin County prison pending extradition to New Jersey.
