Two individuals from Brooklyn, New York, were arrested in Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after they were allegedly found in possession of multiple stolen credit card numbers.

The suspects, identified as Wei Lin Guan and Xiao Dong Chen, were taken into custody on February 9, 2025, following an investigation by the Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Police.

Incident Overview

The situation unfolded when police responded to a report from a CVS store located at 6007 Allentown Boulevard. Store employees reported that a woman was attempting to purchase gift cards using fraudulent credit cards. Upon arrival, officers intercepted a vehicle leaving the scene and identified the occupants as Guan and Chen, with Chen driving the car.

Investigation Findings

During the investigation, authorities discovered multiple stolen credit card numbers stored on the suspects’ cell phones. This evidence led to several charges against both individuals. Police are still investigating whether the suspects were part of a larger fraud operation.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Wei Lin Guan faces the following charges:

Criminal Use of a Communication Facility

Unlawful Use of a Computer Device

Two counts of Access Device Fraud

Theft by Deception

Xiao Dong Chen has been charged with:

Criminal Use of a Communication Facility

Unlawful Use of a Computer Device

Access Device Fraud

Theft by Deception

Following their arrest, Guan was held at Dauphin County Prison with bail set at $100,000, while Chen was released after posting $75,000 bail.

Community Reaction and Implications

This incident highlights the growing issue of credit card fraud and the importance of vigilance among retailers and consumers. The quick response by CVS employees and local law enforcement prevented potential financial losses and further fraudulent activities.

Preventative Measures

Authorities advise consumers to regularly monitor their financial statements for unauthorized transactions and report any suspicious activity to their financial institutions immediately. Retailers are encouraged to train employees to recognize signs of fraudulent activities, such as:

Multiple credit cards being used for large purchases

Attempts to buy high-value gift cards with numerous cards

Customers appearing nervous or hesitant when making transactions

Legal Context of Credit Card Fraud

In Pennsylvania, crimes involving access device fraud and theft by deception are taken seriously. According to Pennsylvania law, fraudulent use of a credit card can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines. The charges faced by Guan and Chen reflect the severity of their alleged actions and serve as a reminder of the legal consequences associated with financial fraud.

Ongoing Investigation

The Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Police continues to investigate whether the suspects were acting alone or were part of a larger criminal network. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information related to this incident to contact law enforcement.

The arrests of Wei Lin Guan and Xiao Dong Chen highlight the importance of proactive policing and community awareness in combating financial crimes. This case serves as a reminder for individuals and businesses to remain alert and take steps to protect themselves from fraud.

Stay Updated

For ongoing updates on this case, residents can follow local news reports and updates from the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information regarding this case to come forward.