Three Charged In NJ 'Card Cracking' Scheme Against Single Parents, College Students

HOBOKEN, NJ — A Hoboken man and two North Jersey women were charged in what police are calling a type of "card cracking" fraud scheme that often targets college students and single parents, the Hoboken police said.

"'Card cracking' is a form of fraud where consumers respond to an online solicitation for 'easy money' and provide a debit card for withdrawal," police said Wednesday. "Criminals use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to solicit consumers, often targeting people between the ages of 19 and 25 years-old, as well as college students, newly enlisted military, and single parents."

Police said Tuesday that one of the three suspects was also charged with possession of "magic mushrooms."

Started With Bank Employee

Police say that on Tuesday afternoon, an employee at Citibank in Marine View Plaza in Hoboken — 500 feet from police headquarters — called police to say there was a woman at trying to cash a forged check. Financial Crimes Detective Ryan Houghton responded and detained the woman.

Houghton also told Sgt. Christopher LaBruno about a vehicle illegally parked across the street from the branch, police say.

Police say the occupants of the car tried to leave. Sgt. LaBruno along with Officers Frank Francolino and Elias Colon were able to stop them while Detective Houghton’s investigation continued, police say.

After investigating and obtaining information from Citibank, police uncovered the scheme.

In that type of scheme, police say, suspects ask people for their debit card, pin number, and other information. Criminals deposit worthless checks into the account using a phone, then withdraw the funds at an ATM. The customer reports the stolen card and gets reimbursed by the bank, police say. And the criminal provides the customer with a cut of the proceeds, police said.

Police were also able to confiscate $3,000 from the suspects, police said.

Those arrested were, according to the Hoboken police:

• Edward J. Mongon, 25, Hoboken, who was charged with forgery, uttering (attempting to defraud through forgery), theft by deception, identity theft, and conspiracy to commit theft by deception.
• Shaneka J. Monroe, 26, Jersey City, charged with the same five charges.
• Shabri H.D. Bond, 25, East Orange: the same five charges, as well as: possession of psilocybin ("magic mushrooms"), possession with intent to distribute psilocybin, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 500 feet of a park.

Detective Michael Losurdo also responded and participated in the investigations.

After being arrested, the two female suspects, Bond and Monroe, were released on summonses. Mongon was transported to the Hudson County jail.

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