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It was another in an increasing series of package thefts in North Jersey, through which thieves steal residents' identities, then use the information to order merchandise such as iPhones and other pricey items.
They then show up to accept delivery.
Responding to a call of a suspicious vehicle on Spencer Place, Officer Diego Cruz and Officer Michael Mullay found two men parked in a black 2008 Infiniti M35, Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg said.
The driver, 41-year-old Esosa Tongo, showed them an Ohio driver’s license that bore the name Jeffrey Ball and a physical description that didn’t match his, Ehrenberg said.
The officers then spotted the packages and reflective orange "Amazon Delivery" safety vest, he said.
The addressed recipient’s identity had been stolen to order the packages, the chief said.
Police at headquarters found Tongo carrying more bogus driver’s licenses and a fraudulent credit card, he said.
He was charged with fraudulent use of a credit card and possession of false government documents and released pending a court hearing, Ehrenberg said.
“There was no evidence to detain the second occupant and he was released after being identified, pending further investigation,” he added.
The chief asked that anyone who might have also been a victim of Tongo’s or has information that could help the investigation call Paramus police at (201) 262-3400 ext. 1412 or use the department’s TIPS App: www.paramuspolice.org.
“Citizens are reminded not to let anyone into their homes, including reported Amazon delivery persons, meter readers, etc., unless they are expected and recognized,” Ehrenberg said.
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ALSO SEE: An identity thief ordered $15,000 in gift cards using an innocent victim's credit card – then was nabbed by Oakland police as he picked them up, authorities said.
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ALSO SEE: A package thief took a different approach when he used an Emerson woman's address to order two iPhones, then waited and signed for the delivery outside her house, authorities said.
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