New Haven Man Indicted On Litany Of Fraud Charges

NEW HAVEN, CT — A city man has been indicted on credit card fraud, wire fraud, and identity theft charges, according to a statement from federal prosecutors. Steven Finkler, 55, was arrested on Aug. 15 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the indictment, Finkler made more than $1,000 in fraudulent purchases using the credit cards of two victims. He is also alleged to have used another individual's identity to open gym memberships throughout the state and open accounts with mobile device payment applications.

Between September 2018 and May 2019, Finkler visited multiple gym locations and stole credit cards from lockers and other locations while the victims were located elsewhere in the gym. Using the stolen credit cards, and the mobile device payment applications, he made thousands of dollars in fictitious charges to internet bank accounts that he created and controlled according to the statement. He then returned the credit cards to the victims’ wallets before the victims returned to the locker room.

Finkler has a prior conviction for credit card fraud.

The indictment charges Finkler with one count of access device fraud and four counts of wire fraud. Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The indictment also charges Finkler with five counts of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years on each count.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, and the Wallingford, Avon, North Haven, Madison, Glastonbury and Branford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala Nagala and Margaret Maigret.

Steven Finkler has also used the name “Andrew Finkler,” as well as other aliases. Individuals who believe they have been victimized by this scheme, or by this defendant, are encouraged to call the U.S. Secret Service at 203-865-2449.