Oskaloosa police are investigating a case of alleged credit card fraud involving unauthorized purchases and a local teenager now facing felony charges.
On December 20 at approximately 11:50 a.m., an Oskaloosa police officer was dispatched to the police station regarding a report of fraud.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim, who reported that his bank card information had been stolen and used to purchase various items. The victim stated that two fraudulent transactions were successfully completed, totaling $258.13. Reports indicate additional attempted purchases exceeding $1,000 were made but were ultimately declined.
The victim advised that he received a fraud alert from his bank at approximately 1:24 a.m. on the same date. Court documents further state the victim reported that someone physically possessed his bank card while he was going through the Taco John drive-through at approximately 11:02 p.m. The receipt from that transaction listed the name “Hayden Sloan.”
A subsequent purchase was made at Best Buy. After contacting Best Buy and informing them of the fraudulent activity, the victim was told the purchased items were being shipped to an address in Oskaloosa; however, the retailer declined to provide the specific address. Best Buy did confirm the account used for the purchases was opened under the name Hayden Cramer, 18, of Oskaloosa.
Oskaloosa police then went to Jimmy John’s and spoke with a manager, who stated that Cramer had been working the previous night but was unsure whether surveillance footage could be released. Officers later reviewed video footage from Jimmy John’s, which showed Cramer placing his phone near the register and recording. The footage reportedly shows Cramer holding the victim’s bank card over his phone to capture the card numbers on the front and back.
Officers proceeded to Cramer’s residence in the 100 block of 5th Avenue East in Oskaloosa to speak with him regarding the investigation. Initially, Cramer denied any involvement and stated he did not know what officers were referring to. After being questioned a second time, Cramer admitted to the theft, according to court documents.
Cramer was taken into custody and transported to the Mahaska County Jail. He was later released. A preliminary hearing was waived.
Cramer is charged with Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card, involving an amount over $1,500 but under $10,000, a Class D felony.
