Another expensive laptop was stolen in Southern California, but what was different about this theft is that someone appears to have used a fake ID to steal the high-end device from a store.
Rick Markowitz of Sherman Oaks said he ordered his Apple laptop online and chose to pick it up at the store to avoid having his $3,600 device stolen.
But when he went to pick up his new computer last week, the store told him it had already been picked up.
“I was told that apparently someone had shown me my ID,” Markowitz said. “I’ve been trying to solve this problem ever since.”
Markowitz said he filed a police report in an attempt to resolve the laptop theft case with the company, but received no response from police.
He insisted there was no evidence of any hacking and said he was confused by the situation.
“[Apple]said, ‘We’re not necessarily saying it was your fault. We’re saying someone had your ID and QR code, but our store policy says that anyone with the ID cannot I’ll give it to anyone,” Markowitz said. “That’s crazy. I haven’t taken any money out of my bank account. I haven’t received any suspicious emails or anything.”
NBC Los Angeles has reached out to Apple for comment.
The latest laptop theft occurred after a man hijacked deliveries of laptops, including MacBook Pros, by providing false identification in Irvine and Lawndale.
“The suspect may have provided identification with the victim’s name and photo,” said Irvine Police Officer Kyle Holder.
The same suspect is believed to have used the same method to steal packages in Lawndale.
The Irvine Police Department said investigators have linked the two incidents to one person.
Investigators believe the laptops may have been stolen by the same person.
Police are reminding shoppers to be extra vigilant during the holiday season, including using cameras to record footage of package deliveries.
The agency also recommends that consumers sign up for a service that provides tracking emails so they can know when their package has been shipped and is on its way.
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