ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
OtherJul 17, 2014
Two arrested in connection with credit fraud gang
Two suspects who were wanted for their alleged involvement with an in-store credit fraud gang were arrested within hours of each other in different states on July 11, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance said.
New York--Two suspects who were wanted for their alleged involvement with an in-store credit fraud gang were arrested within hours of each other in different states on July 11, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance said.
The gang is responsible for more than $1 million in losses at multiple stores where they applied for in-store credit using fake California driver’s licenses. The picture on the license shows the individual in the store, but the name included on the license is being fraudulently used, resulting in losses for a number of jewelers.
The JSA sent out two alerts about the gang, on May 2 and July 9, including information about how they were operating as well as few pictures of the suspects that they had obtained. Many local jewelry security networks also distributed the information to retailers in their states to raise awareness.
On July 10, one of the suspects went into a jewelry store in Charlotte, N.C., where he was approved for $18,000 in credit to purchase a $17,000 watch. But the jeweler recognized the man from the JSA alert, which had been forwarded by the North Carolina Jewelers Association, and declined the transaction, telling the suspect that their computers were down.
The JSA was informed that the suspects were in North Carolina, and then alerted many other high-end jewelry stores that were of the type the gang targeted. The suspect was arrested the next day at another jewelry store in Charlotte.
That same day, a second suspect in Houston was recognized because of the JSA alert sent through to local retailers by the Texas Jewelers Security Hotline and subsequently arrested.
The organization warns, however, that one of the gang members is still on the loose and operating in the Houston and Beaumont areas.
RELATED CONTENT: Jewelers report losses from in-store credit fraud
The JSA is encouraging retailers to be vigilant. Check driver’s licenses carefully, front and back, and decline the sale and call police if fraud is suspected.
Jewelers also should double check the contract for their in-store credit card program to determine what the company’s policies and procedures are in fraud cases involving identity theft.
The JSA also is reiterating the importance of sharing information among industry members, as these two suspects were recognized because of alerts.
Since other members of the gang reportedly still are active, remind store staff of their description--to date, they have
been Asian and using California licenses to apply for store credit to buy high-end watches specifically.
More on Other
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
