More than 1,800 online gambling accounts were allegedly fraudulently created and funded using stolen identities by a New Jersey man who was arrested last month by State Police.
The New Jersey State Police said Casey Ennis, 44, of Audubon, allegedly used victims’ personal information to illegally operate iGaming accounts with Atlantic City’s online providers.
Authorities also say Ennis is linked to more than $52,000 worth of fraudulent unemployment claims.
Online gambling accounts funded without authorization
According to a news release, the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement contacted State Police in January 2020 to assist with investigating suspicious online gambling accounts.
Several victims reported that gambling accounts were created and funded using their identities without their authorization.
The investigation led authorities to Ennis, who was arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including:
- identity theft
- credit card theft
- computer related crimes
- theft by deception
The arrest dates back to May 14 after State Police T.E.A.M.S and K-9 Units executed a search warrant.
According to the release, detectives found more than 30 electronic devices, $491 cash, and 3 grams of methamphetamine.
Ennis was released pending a future court date.
Cops cracking down on online gambling capers
NJ State Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said law enforcement will “devote the resources necessary to investigate and aggressively prosecute those who commit these crimes.”
“As this case illustrates, identity theft can pose an insidious and expensive threat to individuals, businesses, and government programs,” Grewal said. “For individuals, the cost, disruption, and invasion of privacy involved in having one’s identity stolen can be truly traumatic.”
Online opportunities for internet criminals
DGE Director David Rebuck noted electronic payments and credit card activity create opportunities for identity thieves.
“Whether we’re talking about online gaming, shopping, banking or other activities once exclusively conducted in person, more people are putting more personal information on the web than ever,” said Rebuck.
The NJDGE is a division within the Office of the Attorney General.
So, it has certain law enforcement capacities in gambling-related matters.
The DGE flagged Ennis’ “unusual activity,” using internal detection systems, Rebuck said.
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