Steakhouse Workers in NY, NJ, CT Caught in Credit Card Theft Ring

Credit card information is being skimmed in several spots around the city. As previously reported by the IBTimes, credit card information was skimmed from 1,500 people using Chase ATMs near Union Square in January. The rigged ATMs aren't the only way the crooks are getting people's credit card information.

Dozens of current and former waiters at high-end restaurants in Manhattan, New Jersey and Connecticut have been busted for stealing credit card information from wealthy customers. Restaurants included Smith & Wollensky, The Capital Grille, Wolfgang's Steakhouse, and JoJo in Manhattan, Morton's in Stanford, Conn., and The Bicycle Club in New Jersey.

Twenty-eight individuals have been charged in two indictments on 172 counts including enterprise corruption, conspiracy, and grand larceny, among other felony charges, according to the New York County District Attorney's Office. The report calls Luis Damian Jacas, also known as DJ, the director of the criminal enterprise. The crimes charged in the indictment occurred between April 2010 and November 2011.

The defendants stole more than 50 American Express card information using skimming devices. They would then use the information to create counterfeit credit cards, which were then either used to purchase goods or sold.

Equipment used in the operation included skimming devices, computers, embossers, encoders, tippers, printers, blank credit card stock and artwork used to give the counterfit credit cards an authentic look. The operation had several different players including skimmers, shoppers, managers and complicit customers.