Hotel guests victims of identity theft

CEDAR PARK (KXAN) - Seven people who stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites Hotel in Downtown Austin all tell police they are victims of identity theft.

All of the victims reported mysterious charges on their credit cards shortly after paying for a room- or holding one- with their credit card.

"They feel like they've been violated," Cedar Park police Captain Mike Harmon said of the victims. Most of the victims live out of town or out of state, he said.

Cedar Park police began investigating in September, when several of the victims said their credit card numbers were being used to purchase items at businesses in Cedar Park.

Police say the thieves used the stolen credit card numbers to buy gift cards at an HEB and a McDonalds in Cedar Park. They also went on a shopping spree at the local Wal Mart and bought a laptop computer and a flat screen television.

"They just feel helpless," said Captain Harmon. "Somebody is out there using all of their credit card information."

Security cameras at the HEB caught two suspects walking into the store. One man has tattoos on his upper arms and the other is heavy-set, with pierced ears. Neither man is a hotel employee.

If you recognize either of the suspects, call Cedar Park police or the Williamson County crimestoppers.