Two suspects sought in area credit card fraud ring

The McComb Police Department has identified two suspects in connection with a recent credit card fraud ring.

Vifran Nanese Carter and Karen Evette Calvin, both residents of Natchez, are being sought on charges of credit card fraud and identity theft in connection with incidents in stores from Hazlehurst to Louisiana. Warrants have been issued for their arrest.

Vifran Carter

Karen Calvin

The MPD has been working closely with the Brookhaven Police Department and other neighboring law enforcement agencies in order to track down the suspects and others believed involved in the ring.

Detective Robert Holmes, of MPD, reported several more women and at least one man are wanted in connection with the ring. Holmes explained that three to four individuals have been going into area stores and creating a distraction for employees while one or two others search the store for unattended wallets and purses.

Officials said the ring members then steal the credit cards and use them to purchase gift cards. They use the gift cards to purchase expensive electronic devices online or buy items in-store and then later return them and collect the cash, officials said.

Holmes said he is in contact with law enforcement officials in Franklin, La., as well as other area, as officers continue to investigate the case.

Holmes asked for anyone who can provide information as to the suspects’ whereabouts to contact him at 601-684-0033.

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