Suspect spent almost $900 with cloned debit card, deputies say

PALM HARBOR (FOX 13) - Deputies are searching for a man who, they say, used a cloned debit card and spent nearly $900 at a Palm Harbor Publix.

On January 16 after 1 p.m., the unidentified man attempted to make three “fraudulent” purchases with the debit card, detectives said, at the Publix located at 2886 U.S. Alternate 19. Only one purchase was approved.

He bought four $200 gift cards greeting cards, and groceries for a total amount of $887.50, detectives said. The victim had possession of the debit card during the time the purchase was made, indicating the card was cloned.

The suspect was described as a black male, with a stocky build and beard. He was seen wearing dark-colored clothing, a black baseball cap, a large gold-colored watch on his left wrist, a gold-colored bracelet on his right wright, and glasses.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective E. Moor of the Economic Crimes Unit at 727-582-6949 or emoor@pcsonet.com or remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.