California man accused of identity theft
By RONNIE WACHTER rwachter@pioneerlocal.com February 21, 2012 8:22PM
Robert Pickard
Updated: March 23, 2012 8:15AM
LINCOLNSHIRE — A California man who allegedly bought more than $20,000 worth of goods with credit cards he opened in a Lincolnshire man’s name is now under arrest.
Robert C. Pickard III, 38, of Highland, Calif., was arrested Feb. 16 by investigators from Lincolnshire and the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Police. Pickard had a Lake County warrant for two charges of identity theft.
According to Lincolnshire police investigator John-Erik Anderson, Pickard likely sent out a “phishing” e-mail last fall, which a Lincolnshire man opened, allegedly giving Pickard access to the victim’s personal information.
“When you click on it, you don’t realize you’re really clicking on a fraudulent e-mail,” Anderson said.
Pickard’s alleged shopping spree began in September, Anderson said, and included numerous purchases with credit cards that bore the victim’s name and address.
Pickard is being held in the San Bernardino County Jail on a $250,000 bond awaiting an extradition hearing to Lake County. The investigation also involves the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and is ongoing.
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