New Haven Man Pleads Guilty To Credit Card Fraud, Identity Theft

NEW HAVEN, CT — A New Haven man with a lengthy criminal history has pleaded guilty to credit card fraud and identity theft charges, according to a statement from federal prosecutors. Steven Finkler, 55, was accused of stealing credit cards from two of his employer's customers and using them to make more than 40 fraudulent charges.

The charges included Finkler’s purchase of jewelry for his girlfriend, Apple products and electronic devices, and other high-end consumer and retail goods for either himself or his friends.

The total loss to the victims was $20,892.75, according to the statement.

In September 2018, Finkler, using another individual’s identity, opened a membership at a fitness center with gym locations throughout Connecticut. Finkler also used the same stolen identity to create 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 approximately $144,000 in fictitious charges to bank accounts that he created and controlled.

He then returned the credit cards to the victims’ wallets before the victims returned to the locker room. At least 49 individuals were victimized through this scheme, according to the statement.

Finkler pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud (credit card fraud), one count of wire fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

He will be sentenced April 1 and face up to 40 years in prison. He has also agreed to pay restitution of $145,682.08.

Finkler has a criminal history that spans 35 years and includes numerous convictions, including five federal convictions stemming from various fraud schemes.

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 Donovan.

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that 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.