Police: Man using stolen ID in Stamford scammed 2 businesses out of $300K

Police say a New York man caught using a stolen identity in Stamford had scammed two out-of-state businesses out of more than $300,000.

News 12 Staff

Jan 14, 2019, 8:01 PM

Updated 1,921 days ago

Share:

Police say a New York man caught using a stolen identity in Stamford had scammed two out-of-state businesses out of more than $300,000.
Dennis Morehead, 47, was arraigned today after being taken into custody Friday while appearing in court on other charges.
Officials say an investigation into Morehead began back in October when he attempted to open a bank account at the People's Bank in Stamford using a stolen identity, a fake license and fake utility bills.
The bank immediately contacted police, who took Morehead into custody at that time.
Morehead had no criminal history up until that point, officials say.
Investigators say they learned he had fraudulently opened other bank accounts in Stamford.
Police tell News 12 Connecticut they were able to view those records and discovered two out-of-state businesses had wired large amounts of money to those accounts - one business sent $230,000 while the other sent $75,000.
"They were tricked in what's called a business email compromise in which, basically, someone gets into their emails, their communications and is able to convince them to redirect a legitimate wire into an account that they controlled," says Investigator Mike Stempien of the Stamford Police Department.
Police say the scam usually targets people related to a company's finance department, where the scam gets them to click a link which turns out to be malware or a website that steals credentials.
The scammer can then monitor money transfers, intercept them, and change where they end up.
Police say Morehead's scam was coordinated, and they believe he's not the only person behind it.
"We anticipate more arrests in the future," says Stempien.
Morehead was charged with racketeering, money laundering, identity theft, criminal impersonation, forgery and larceny.


More from News 12
1:50
FBI on alert for potential threats in Connecticut amid Middle East tensions

FBI on alert for potential threats in Connecticut amid Middle East tensions

2:00
On and off showers Friday; Temperatures return to normal this weekend

On and off showers Friday; Temperatures return to normal this weekend

0:15
Early morning fire displaces 5 people in Bridgeport

Early morning fire displaces 5 people in Bridgeport

0:29
Police: Ansonia man arrested for inappropriate messages to 13-year-old boy

Police: Ansonia man arrested for inappropriate messages to 13-year-old boy

0:21
Officials probe suspicious death of Bridgeport man found in Massachusetts house

Officials probe suspicious death of Bridgeport man found in Massachusetts house

0:29
Thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry stolen during smash-and-grab robbery at Trumbull Mall

Thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry stolen during smash-and-grab robbery at Trumbull Mall

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Is your mom awesome? Connecticut tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Connecticut tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:34
Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Bridgeport sexual assault survivor shares story during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

2:11
Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

2:27
17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

17-year-old dies from gunshot to head, becomes Bridgeport’s 4th homicide victim this year

2:17
Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

Renters push for ban on 'no cause' evictions, but CT lawmakers are wary

2:05
Monroe police say they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

Monroe police say they have person of interest in nearly 50-year-old cold case

0:46
CT electric bills set to increase following regulators' approval of rate adjustment

CT electric bills set to increase following regulators' approval of rate adjustment

2:05
Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

Eversource announces suspension of new electric vehicle charging rebates

0:22
NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

NHL's Coyotes officially leaving Arizona - but won't be coming to Connecticut

1:58
Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border

Darien officials oppose proposed dispensary on Darien-Stamford border

0:50
'Art brings all people together.' Stamford art workshop promotes different cultures

'Art brings all people together.' Stamford art workshop promotes different cultures

0:24
Officials: Firefighter and occupant injured in Norwalk house fire

Officials: Firefighter and occupant injured in Norwalk house fire