Houston man goes to prison for fraud

HOUSTON (KIAH) – The Department of Justice has arrested a Houston man who allegedly possessed fraudulent checks and credit cards from area victims. Wade Zollinger, 43, pleaded guilty to possession of counterfeit or unauthorized access devices in November 2023. He was later charged with the crime in May 2024.

During his plea, Zollinger admitted to fleeing police in a stolen vehicle before being captured. After his arrest, officers found numerous counterfeit identification documents, including credit cards, personal checks and U.S. currency. Zollinger was also in possession of several records detailing his victims’ personal information. Law enforcement then searched his residence and found additional counterfeit items.

The Secret Service conducted the investigation with assistance from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Zollinger will now spend 63 months in prison and 3 years on parole following his conviction.

Credit card fraud is one of the most common types of fraud in the country. In 2023 alone, more than 400,000 cases of credit card fraud have been reported according to the Federal Trade Commission. The Freeport Police Department has some tips to help prevent yourself from being the next victim. If you think you are a victim of identity theft or credit card fraud, report it immediately to the police and online at the Federal Trade Commission website.