Search
 

California Duo Face Bank Fraud Charges

Authorities say Michael Thomas and Barbara Lopp stole thousands from banks and CUs in nine states.

By Peter Strozniak | Updated on August 13, 2015

A man and woman who were part of a California fraud ring used fake credit cards and conspired with another person feigning as a customer service representative to steal thousands in cash advances from credit unions and banks in nine states.

Michael Lee Thomas, 46, of Oakland (pictured at left) and Barbara John Lopp, 53, of Stockton, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud last month in U.S. District Court in Oakland.

Although the FBI began investigating the fraud ring in June 2013, it wasn’t until Feb. 12, 2015, when the couple was arrested at a branch of the $15.9 million Municipal Credit Union in Sioux City, Iowa, where their cash advance scheme drew suspicion from employees who contact police.

Iowa prosecutors charged the California couple with several felony counts of credit card fraud, forgery and identity theft, but those charges were dismissed after the federal indictment was filed on July 16.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to CUTimes.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited CUTimes.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical CUTimes.com information including comprehensive product and service provider listings via the Marketplace Directory, CU Careers, resources from industry leaders, webcasts, and breaking news, analysis and more with our informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and CU Times events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including Law.com and GlobeSt.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Peter Strozniak

Recommended Stories

Credit Union Times

Join Credit Union Times

Don’t miss crucial strategic and tactical information necessary to run your institution and better serve your members. Join Credit Union Times now!

  • Free unlimited access to Credit Union Times' trusted and independent team of experts for extensive industry news, conference coverage, people features, statistical analysis, and regulation and technology updates.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Credit Union Times events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including TreasuryandRisk.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join Credit Union Times

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.