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Mother-Daughter Duo Nabbed In OC Identity Theft Ring

CHINO HILLS (CBSLA.com) — Detectives announced the arrest of a mother-daughter duo Thursday accused of running a sophisticated identity theft ring out of Orange County.

According to the Chino Hills Police Department, a resident recently reported fraudulent charges on their credit card worth nearly $800.

A preliminary investigation revealed the victim's card had been used at several retail stores and restaurants in and around the area of Garden Grove.

Police explained evidence revealed the mother, Kristina Anh Giusti, 44, of Garden Grove, using the fraudulent cards at various locations.

On Tuesday, officers conducted two search warrants at Giusti's home, located in the 12100 block of College Avenue.

Authorities said more than 1,000 forged and altered credit cards issued in the suspect's name, six laptops, two tablets, an embossing machine, and a tip card machine used for forging credit cards was recovered.

Detectives also found a card encoder, several boxes of white stock credit cards, a money counter, $11,000 in U.S. currency, and several documents outlining how to commit fraud.

According to police, Terry Tan Mihn Nguyen, 30, of Garden Grove, was at the house while the search warrant was being conducted, and was subsequently found to be involved in the identity theft ring.

Kelcie Anh Thy Giusti Tang, 23, of Santa Ana, allegedly used fraudulent credit cards given to her by the mother.

All three suspects are being held at the West Valley Detention Center on charges for identity theft, possession of four or more credit card numbers, possession of personal information of more than 10 victims, forging access cards, unlawful acquisition of access cards, use of a stolen access card, possession of equipment to forge access cards, possession of card encoder, and possession of controlled substance for sale.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim of this crime is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department at (909) 364-2000.

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