The Wallis Police Department has identified a suspect following an investigation into a credit card scam that targeted an elderly couple in late July. According to Wallis PD, the incident occurred July 30 when a man allegedly contacted the victims and told them their Discover credit card had been compromised. The couple was reportedly told that Discover was sending someone to their home to collect the compromised card so a replacement could be issued. The story was convincing, and the couple turned over their credit card to the person who arrived to collect it. Shortly afterward, several unauthorized charges were made using the card.

Police identified the suspect as Joseph Tyrese Reidel. Investigators used Flock camera information and other investigative methods to track the suspect and obtain surveillance footage that police say showed Reidel using the stolen credit card multiple times in the Katy and Sugar Land areas.

Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, Wallis PD obtained a felony warrant for Reidel in connection with the fraudulent use and possession of the stolen credit card. Police said the charge was enhanced because of the ages of the victims. Authorities also reported that Reidel has a previous history involving fraud-related offenses. Wallis PD thanked Katy Police Department Lt. Investigator J. Orsak for assisting with the investigation.

Texas Penalties for Credit Card Abuse Involving an Elderly Victim

Under Texas law, credit or debit card abuse is generally a state jail felony. When the offense is committed against an elderly individual, however, the offense is elevated to a third-degree felony. A third-degree felony in Texas can carry a punishment of two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 upon conviction. The actual charge and punishment in any individual case depend on the circumstances of the offense and the outcome of the criminal proceedings. As with all criminal cases, an arrest or criminal charge is an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Scammers Are Becoming More Convincing 
Cases such as this are an important reminder that modern scams are not always easy to recognize. Scammers may know a person’s name, the financial institution they use or other personal information that makes the call appear legitimate. They may also create a sense of urgency, telling the victim that money is in danger, an account has been compromised or immediate action is required.

Older residents can be particularly vulnerable to these schemes, making conversations with parents, grandparents, neighbors and friends increasingly important.  A bank or credit card company should never require you to hand your physical credit or debit card to a stranger who arrives at your home.

If someone calls claiming there is a problem with your bank account or credit card, hang up. Do not call a telephone number provided by the caller. Instead, contact the financial institution yourself using the number printed on the back of your card, on a statement or through the institution’s official website or app. And most importantly, do not allow someone on the telephone to rush or frighten you into making a financial decision. It is perfectly acceptable to say, “I’m going to call my son, daughter, friend or bank first.” A legitimate company will give you time to verify what you have been told.

What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

Act quickly. The sooner a suspected scam is reported, the better the chance of limiting additional losses.

  • Call your bank or credit card company immediately. Tell them you believe the account or card has been compromised. Ask them to block the card or account as necessary and review recent transactions with you.
  • Report unauthorized transactions. Ask the financial institution how to dispute charges you did not make.
  • Contact local law enforcement. If someone took money, a credit card or other property from you — or came to your home as part of a suspected scam — report it.
  • Texas Adult Protective Services: 1-800-252-5400. APS investigates suspected financial exploitation involving vulnerable Texans, including adults age 65 and older.
  • Federal Trade Commission: 1-877-382-4357 (1-877-FTC-HELP). Fraud can also be reported through the FTC’s ReportFraud service.
  • If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Please Don’t Be Embarrassed to Report It

People who fall victim to these scams are not necessarily careless or uninformed. These schemes are deliberately designed to be believable, frightening and urgent. Criminals may impersonate banks, credit card companies, government agencies, law enforcement officers, utility companies or even family members. Embarrassment can keep victims from reporting what happened, and that can give scammers more time to take money or find another victim.

 If you’ve been scammed, tell someone.

Call your bank. Call law enforcement. Tell a trusted family member or friend. Reporting the incident may not only help you — it may provide investigators with information that prevents someone else from becoming the next victim.

Talk to the Older Adults in Your Life

Families can help by having these conversations before a suspicious call or visitor arrives.
Remind older relatives and friends:

  • Never give a credit card, debit card, cash or check to an unexpected person who comes to your home.
  • Never provide a PIN, password or verification code to someone who calls you.
  • Never allow an unexpected caller to remotely access your computer or phone.
  • Never send money because someone says you must act immediately.
  • Never be afraid to hang up.

When in doubt, stop and call someone you trust. A five-minute phone call to a family member, friend, bank or law enforcement agency could prevent the loss of hundreds or thousands of dollars.