Lincolnshire charges California man with identity theft

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Robert Pickard has been charged with two counts of identity theft. (Courtesy Lincolnshire Police Department)

Updated: March 24, 2012 8:43AM

A California man who allegedly bought more than $20,000 worth of goods with credit cards he opened in a Lincolnshire man’s name is now under arrest.

Robert C. Pickard III, 38, of 28266 Plumblossom Lane, Highland, Calif., was arrested Feb. 16 by investigators from Lincolnshire and the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Police. Pickard had a Lake County warrant for two charges of identity theft.

According to Lincolnshire police investigator John-Erik Anderson, Pickard likely sent out a “phishing” email last fall, which a Lincolnshire man opened, allegedly giving Pickard access to the victim’s personal information.

“When you click on it, you don’t realize you’re really clicking on a fraudulent email,” Anderson said.

Pickard’s alleged shopping spree began in September, Anderson said, and included numerous purchases with credit cards that bore the victim’s name and address. Pickard is accused of buying a yet-unknown amount of goods, through January.

“We’re still putting that together,” Anderson said. “It’s definitely in excess of $20,000.”

When the victim, in his 40s, started getting bills for credit cards he had never opened, he went to the police. Investigators tracked the purchases back to Pickard, obtained a search warrant and raided his home. Pickard was not there, though. He was at the home of his wife, who has separate living arrangements.

“Pickard is currently being held in the San Bernardino County Jail on a $250,000 bond awaiting an extradition hearing,” a press release reads. The investigation also involves the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and is ongoing.