Man Arrested in Theft of Numbers

An unemployed computer scientist from Garden Grove stole more than $500,000 by accessing other people’s bank accounts with counterfeit ATM and credit cards that he made with his home office’s personal computer, police said.

Brea police caught Talal Mohamed Mahouk, 31, on Wednesday at a Stater Bros. store in Garden Grove, allegedly using an ATM card to purchase $2 worth of dental floss and withdraw $200 in cash. They arrested him at his home a short time later.

“He runs in, grabs floss and gets $200 cash back using somebody’s ATM info,” chief investigator Grant Gulickson said. “I think he was just looking for something that would amount to a small purchase. He just wanted to get the cash. Dental floss seemed to be his favorite.”

An unidentified source tipped off police to Mahouk’s alleged bank card fraud operations more than a month ago. He has since been under surveillance.

After collecting evidence, authorities this week froze two bank accounts in Mahouk’s name that contained more than $150,000.

Authorities believe Mahouk had contacts with someone at a bank or local business who would provide him with personal identification numbers. He would then take that information and manufacture cards at home using his personal computer and other equipment.

After Mahouk’s arrest, authorities at his home seized counterfeit credit cards, thousands of dollars in stolen money orders that were traced to a convenience store in San Bernardino, and computer equipment that was allegedly used to manufacture the bank cards.

In addition to the computer gear, police found invoices showing the purchase of four cars, an expensive stereo system and an entertainment center that may be linked to counterfeit purchases, police said.

“He hasn’t let unemployment crimp his lifestyle,” Gulickson said. “He’s doing very well for himself.”

Mahouk was booked this week into Orange County Jail on suspicion of burglary, forgery and possession of counterfeit access cards and counterfeiting equipment. His bail was set at $100,000. He is expected to be arraigned Monday.