2 Men From The Bronx Accused Of ID Scams: Portsmouth Police

PORTSMOUTH, NH — Portsmouth police believe they have cracked an extensive fraud operation out of New York after an observant Port City resident alerted them to an iPhone they didn't order. Officers received a call from the resident Tuesday after he received a new iPhone delivered to his home from AT&T. The man, however, didn't order a new phone, according to Capt. Darrin Sargent of the Portsmouth Police Department.

"Being familiar with recent scams regarding these deliveries, the resident called to alert the police," he said. "Members of the Portsmouth Police Special Investigations Unit initiated surveillance on the residence in question."

At about 3:45 p.m., officers watched as a vehicle with New York plates pulled up to the home and one of the men inside the vehicle jumped out, grabbed the package, and went back to the vehicle. A short chase was initiated and two men arrested.

Police were able to learn during their investigation that the two men, Rolando Tabar, 20, pictured left, and Yobelin Sanchez, 22, both of the Bronx, New York, were allegedly obtaining personally identifiable information, making purchases in unsuspecting individual's names, and, in many cases, having the valuables sent to the victim's homes, Sargent said.

"Like in this case, they arrive shortly thereafter to take possession of the valuable," Sargent said. "In many cases the PII is purchased form the dark web resulting from data breaches."

Tabar was charged with identity fraud and receiving stolen property, both felonies, as well as disobeying an officer, reckless operation, and operating after suspension. Sanchez was charged with identity fraud and receiving stolen property, both felonies.

"We urge our residents to pay close attention to their credit reports, and keep an eye out for suspicious deliveries," added Sargent. "Report anything that appears suspicious to the police."

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Portsmouth Police Department at 603-427-1500.

Anonymous tips can also be made through Seacoast Crime Stoppers by calling 603-431-1199, online at www.seacoastcrimestoppers.com, and through the new “P3” phone app available as a free download for Apple and Android phones.

Rewards of up to $1,000.00 may be paid for help solving cases if the information leads to an arrest or indictment of a suspect(s).

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Portsmouth Police Department and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for New Hampshire Patch police reports.

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