Springfieldians charged with identity theft

Charges were filed yesterday against Jason N. Waln and Norma J. Black of Springfield. The two are charged with one count each of identity theft after allegedly using the stolen identity of an acquaintance in Pittsburg, Mo., to make more than $3,000 in withdrawals.

Probable cause statements say that the victim’s bank account had been accessed to make automated teller machine withdrawals and charges to poker Web sites. The victim believes the information was stolen from her purse after spending the night at the home of the defendants.

The charge against Waln and Black is a class-C felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The case is based on an investigation by Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Darrell Moore, the office of Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon and the Springfield Police Department.

Nixon’s office has been appointed to assist with the case; it’s the fourth identity theft case Nixon has helped to prosecute in the last four months.

The attorney general’s office reminds Missourians to protect themselves from identity theft by following a few guidelines:

• Shred unwanted credit card offers and unneeded documents that contain personal information;

• Never give out personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you – provide the data only if you have initiated contact;

• Keep computers protected with a firewall, anti-spyware or anti-virus software; and

• Leave your Social Security number off of checks and your driver’s license.

Nixon’s office also recommends opting out of pre-approved credit card offers by calling (888) 567-8688 or visiting www.optoutprescreen.com.