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Aug 4, 2007 3:55 pm US/Eastern
A-List Stars Targeted In Phila. ID Theft Ring
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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According to police, there are 17 confirmed victims and believe that number could rise into the hundreds.
CBS
Investigators busted a massive identity theft ring allegedly operating out of a row home in Northeast Philadelphia Friday.
Police said the list of targeted victims includes celebrity names like Donovan McNabb, his mother Wilma, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, Michael Vick and Microsoft founder Paul Allen.
Authorities said Andre Holmes and his alleged accomplice ran the identity theft operation out of a home in the Oxford Circle section of the city.
The pair allegedly used change of address forms to have their victims' mail delivered to their home on Frontenac Street and used the personal information they obtained to create phony checks and credit cards.
Investigators believe one of the suspects allegedly gained access to personal information at her previous job at the IRS.
According to police, there are 17 confirmed victims and believe that number will rise into the hundreds.
In some cases the suspects were able to steal money from some of Hollywood's A-list names, but the exact amount is unclear.
"This may be extensive, in terms of time, a long term investigation to really determine how far it goes," said Captain Ben Naish of the Philadelphia Police.
An Eagles team spokesperson said Donovan McNabb was aware of the investigation, but had no comment on the case.
Both suspects remain in police custody while investigators try to determine the size and scope of their identity theft operation.
Members of the Secret Service have joined the investigation.
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