Wrong number lands indentity thief in jail

AN ASPIRING identity thief in Washington texted a query to the wrong mobile phone number, reaching a police detective who was happy to assist him... into jail.

A detective with the Kent Police Department's special investigations team received a text message from Peter Pardo on November 11 asking if he knew anyone who "makes cards," according to police reports.

Recognising the man's name from his prior brushes with the law, the copper twigged that Pardo had keyed the wrong number and decided to play along, suspecting that this wasn't just a guy looking to have some business cards printed up.

"I know a guy I trust," the detective text-messaged back. "Text him and tell him what u got."

The detective's associate was, of course, an undercover officer. The alleged would-be criminal mastermind got in touch with him right away in the hopes of using stolen mail to create 150 forged credit cards. They arranged to meet later that day at a video store.

After striking a deal with the undercover cop, Pardo was arrested and taken into custody. Police searched Pardo's car and said they found "massive amounts" of stolen mail along with several stolen credit cards and some forged checks.

He has been charged with one count of financial fraud and three counts of second-degree identity theft, according to court documents. Police are expected to file additional charges.

Pardo, 29, is cooling his heels in chokey under $50,000 bail... without his mobile. µ

L'Inq
Seattle PI