Around the world in search of ID thieves

We’ve been all the way to Africa searching for Wendy and her international identity theft ring. We’ve traced packages with loot ordered by thieves.  Merchandise that seemed to disappear…

Chris Hansen, Dateline correspondent (on hidden camera): It was a big home theater. And so he picked it up?

DHL Representative: Yes.

Chris Hansen: On the 5^th?

DHL Representative: Yes.

…then mysteriously boomerangs back. Maybe because the thieves knew we were on to them.

But maybe there’s another way to find Wendy and her gang of thieves.

And it involves Jeff Ball, the New York man apparently tricked into becoming a middleman by the identity theft ring.

We come up with the plan after we see the e-mail history between Wendy and Jeff. It’s clear whoever is sending the e-mails is a master scammer.

Wendy’s emails: My heart told me that my Prince Charming was there when you first said hello to me.

Along with the love letters, and those provocative pictures, Wendy cleverly mixes in please for help in somewhat broken English.

Wendy’s emails: Let me come back home this week, because that my prayer always...

In one e-mail, Wendy says she’s in Australia, but wants to come “home to be with Jeff."

Wendy’s e-mail: i most get home this weekend okay??..i realy miss u

But believe it or not, on her way to the airport, the unthinkable happens. Wendy says she’s in an auto accident.

Wendy’s email: Wendy sick hospital! Please pray for me.

Through her pain, Wendy pleads with Jeff to send money – to pay for the surgery to save her life.

Wendy’s e-mail: BECOUSE I DON’T WANT TO LOSE MY HAND AND I DON’T WANT TO LOSE MY LIFE AND UUUUU PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!:):):):)

In the end, Jeff Ball actually wired thousands of dollars to Australia supposedly for Wendy’s surgeon, Dr. J. Jack.

Dateline checked in Australia, and we couldn’t find any licensed doctor by that name — another sign that Wendy is part of an even larger con.

All you have to do is check the e-mails. In the special coding most of us never read, IP addressses, there’s usually an identification number that tells you where the computer that sent the e-mail is located. It’s a little like the caller ID on your phone.

Remember, Wendy’s been claiming she’s in Australia. But when Dateline checks the coding on her e-mails, they really trace back to Africa.

Wendy’s e-mail: Babe please pack everything togetter i mean all the packages....

We’re beginning to wonder, could “Wendy” be a mask for a man?

Wendy’s e-mail: …and wait for dhl to come okay...  send me all the packages list to me okay...to my email and tracking number okay?

Now we see how Jeff was tricked into sending packages all over the world, but we’re about to turn the tables on the thieves behind Wendy. Remember, they think we’re for real. They’ve been ordering from our online store. They’ve even used our delivery company to send some of their loot all the way to Switzerland.

And now, we’ve convinced Jeff Ball to let us take over his e-mail.

Wendy’s e-mail: I love you with my whole heart.

From now on, when Wendy talks to Jeff, she’s really talking to Dateline.

Our first step: Borrow one of Wendy’s tricks and say Jeff is in the hospital.

Jeff: Had a hunting accident and in hospital … Pray for me.

Wendy is expecting more packages from Jeff. And she thinks our company will be handling the delivery. She’s so desperate to find out about her packages, she sends an e-mail directly to Chris at CH Delivery.

Wendy’s e-mail: Hello Chris, Because am in Australia, am serioully worried, .. and  we have alot of shipment to ship to Swizterland, Please kindly help me to check on him.

It’s the opening we’ve been waiting for.

Between updates about Jeff’s health, we’ve come up with a plan to get us closer to “Wendy” and her gang. To whet their appetite, I’ll say I’ve just inherited a lot of money and I’m interested in investing some of it in Wendy’s company.

Our e-mail: Wendy, I would like to invest in your business. But I don’t think it is wise to invest in any business until I can meet the owner in person … Please let me know when and where you can meet …

It isn’t long before Wendy responds, and she seems to be going for the bait.

Wendy’s e-mail: I will be glad to assist you to invest your funds...

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Part I: On the hunt for ID thieves Around the world in search of ID thieves Behind the year-long investigation What we learned from the online store HansenDiscountElectronics.com Do you know 'Paul Desmond'? More on Card Cops Tips on protecting your identity 'To Catch an ID Thief' Section Front   Add 'To Catch an ID Thief' headlines to your news reader: