Paul Allen victim of identity theft
Mar 27, 2012, 5:17 AM | Updated: 6:44 am
It looks like no one is immune from identity theft. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen had his identity stolen by an AWOL soldier in Pennsylvania.
Police in Pittsburgh say 28-year-old Brandon Price was able to call up Citibank and convince a customer service representative that he was Paul Allen. He was able
to change the address on one of Allen’s accounts from Seattle to Pennsylvania.
Price allegedly had a debit card sent to his home in Pennsylvania after calling the bank again saying he, Paul Allen, had lost his old one.
The card was used for a $15,000 Western Union transaction and to make a $658.81 payment on the Armed Forces Bank loan account the day it was activated, according to the complaint.
Surveillance footage also captured him attempting purchases at a video game store and a dollar store, authorities alleged.
Investigators found Price was listed as Absent Without Leave from the Army and wanted as a deserter, authorities said in the complaint. He was arrested March 2 and ordered detained until April 2 unless the Army takes him into custody.
Price is being held in federal custody.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
