BUENA PARK : Youth, 16, Arrested in Computer Scam

Orange County sheriff’s deputies Friday arrested a 16-year-old Buena Park boy in connection with an alleged computer scheme and confiscated two computer terminals.

Deputies also seized several floppy disks and data indicating that the youth had access to people’s telephone bills and credit cards, authorities said.

The teen-ager, whose name was not released because of his age, is suspected of using computer-authorization codes to charge several thousand dollars in telephone calls and merchandise, which then appeared on the bills of different people, Sheriff’s Lt. Bob Rivas said.

At least one victim in the case reported $15,000 in unauthorized charges that allegedly have been traced to the youth, and dollar amounts are expected to increase as the investigation unfolds, he said.

Authorities began checking for an illegal computer link about a month ago when customers of area telephone companies and local credit card holders reported unusually high bills with mysterious charges on them, Rivas explained. On Friday, deputies served a search warrant on the youth, who lives with his parents, Rivas said.

“He is very knowledgeable in computers and was charging long-distance phone calls and prepaid delivery merchandise to legitimate customers,” said Rivas, adding that more victims may be located outside the Orange County area.