Latest news with #MaryAnnMagdamit
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Former USPS worker pleads guilty to stealing credit cards, checks from the mail — how to protect yourself
Mary Ann Magdamit, a 31-year-old former employee of the United States Postal Service (USPS), recently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud after allegedly stealing checks and credit cards from the mail and using the proceeds to purchase luxury goods. The former letter carrier faces 30 years in prison after investigators reportedly found stolen bank cards and checks at her apartment in Carson, California. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it The case highlights the ongoing concerns about mail theft and employee integrity within the postal system, particularly as recent reports highlight a worsening problem at USPS. A three-year operation According to Magdamit's plea agreement, her mail theft operation at the Torrance Post Office in California reportedly spanned three years from 2022 to 2025. During this period, Magdamit employed multiple strategies to profit from the mail she allegedly stole, which contained personal identification information, credit and debit cards, as well as checks. She then reportedly monetized these items by using the stolen bank cards to make purchases, distributing cards to co-conspirators and selling stolen bank cards online. But the scheme extended beyond simple bank card theft. Magdamit also orchestrated a check-cashing operation, arranging for accomplices to cash stolen checks using counterfeit identity documents that matched the names of the legitimate check recipients. This included one check that totaled more than $45,000. Magdamit was finally arrested on July 1 2025, at which time she was reportedly still making purchases with stolen cards. She remains in custody as she awaits her sentencing. Read more: Nervous about the stock market? Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you're not a millionaire. Crime spree documented on social media In December 2024, authorities executed a search warrant at Magdamit's apartment and found substantial evidence: more than 130 stolen debit and credit cards, 16 Department of Treasury checks, as well as a loaded, unserialized Glock clone which was described as a "ghost gun," a type of homemade firearm that is considered untraceable. The search also uncovered numerous luxury goods allegedly purchased with the stolen cards and checks. Magdamit used the stolen items to fund an extravagant lifestyle, which also included international vacations to Aruba and Turks and Caicos. According to the investigation, Magdamit frequently boasted about her criminal lifestyle on Instagram, where she posted images of luxury items, stacks of cash and other incriminating evidence. Security camera footage from stores such as Apple also captured Magdamit purchasing items with the stolen cards and checks. As part of her plea arrangement, Magdamit has agreed to forfeit certain luxury items, including a Rolex watch, according to the Department of Justice. Mail theft is a growing problem at USPS A 2024 report by the Office of the Inspector General of the USPS found that closed internal theft cases at the postal service have increased by 47% since 2019. All told, investigators identified 5,961 closed cases of internal mail theft in that five-year period. 'As bad as you think it is, it's much worse! I mean, it's bad!' Frank Albergo, president of the Postal Police Officers Association, told NBC 7 San Diego. 'You have criminal organizations, gangs, that are actually recruiting people to get a job in the postal service so they can rob mail and drain bank accounts,' he added. 'That's literally what's happening.' Fortunately, there are a few practical steps regular Americans can take to help safeguard their mail and reduce the risk of theft: Secure your mail: Consider using a P.O. Box to increase security, and always retrieve your mail promptly to avoid leaving items unmonitored overnight. Deposit any outgoing mail directly at the post office instead of using collection boxes, and consider mail forwarding or holds when traveling to prevent accumulation. Avoid sending vulnerable items: Don't send cash through the mail system. Use checks or electronic payments instead to help trace any theft or fraud. Be proactive: Use tracking and signature confirmation for important or valuable items, and set up electronic notifications for bills and banking to quickly detect missing mail. You can also monitor your financial statements regularly for unauthorized transactions that might indicate stolen mail. If you suspect your letter or package has been stolen, you can file a report on the USPS Inspection Service's website or by calling 1-877-876-2455. What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 simple ways to grow rich with real estate if you don't want to play landlord. And you can even start with as little as $10 Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Miami Herald
Postal worker flaunting stacks of cash online stole mail for years in CA, feds say
A former California postal carrier faces prison time over stealing mailed checks, credit and debit cards, some of which federal prosecutors said she used to book international trips and buy luxury items. Mary Ann Magdamit, 31, of Carson, in Los Angeles County, stole from the mail between at least 2022 until July 2025, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California. In those three years, Magdamit sold some of the checks, credit and debit cards she stole to 'accomplices' involved in the scheme, prosecutors said. While under investigation, Torrance, who had worked for the U.S. Postal Service at the Torrance Main Post Office, about a 20-mile drive southwest from Los Angeles, posted content on Instagram showing her vacations Turks and Caicos and Aruba as well as different purchases she secured with 'illicitly obtained funds,' prosecutors said. One of her posts shared on April 24 included her holding four shopping bags from Louis Vuitton and Dior with a location tag showing she was at Rodeo Drive, a street known for luxury shopping in Beverly Hills, according to court filings. She was also seen flaunting 'stacks of hundred-dollar bills' on Instagram, according to prosecutors. Two photos of Magdamit holding stacks of cash, which she told a federal investigator she obtained with debit cards 'she stole,' are included in an affidavit filed with a criminal complaint. Now Magdamit has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud on Aug. 11 in connection with the theft, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in an Aug. 11 news release. A federal public defender appointed to represent Magdamit did not return McClatchy News' request for comment Aug. 12. During a search of Magdamit's apartment in December, authorities found 133 credit and debit cards, 16 U.S. Treasury checks as well as a loaded 'ghost gun,' a firearm without a serial number, 'with an extended 27-round magazine, according to prosecutors. 'Agents also discovered luxury goods purchased with cards she stole from the mail,' prosecutors said. After the search, Magdamit resigned from working as a letter carrier on Dec. 9, the Torrance Main Post Office informed a federal investigator, according to the affidavit. Despite leaving her post, she still managed to obtain more stolen mail, as well as other people's personal identifying information, and made 'purchases with victims' credit cards,' prosecutors said. Magdamit would activate the credit and debit cards belonging to other individuals to use them for trips abroad and different purchases, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. As part of her three-year scheme, prosecutors said 'she also arranged to have her co-conspirators cash the stolen checks, usually by people using counterfeit identity documents in the name of the check's payee.' Magdamit was arrested on July 1, when authorities found additional stolen cards at her apartment, according to prosecutors. She is still in federal detention, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Her sentencing is set for Oct. 27. Magdamit faces up to 30 years in prison, according to prosecutors, who said she will be forfeiting a Rolex watch and other items she purchased.
New York Post
7 days ago
- New York Post
US postal worker stole cards and checks from mail to fund lavish lifestyle, tropical vacations she flaunted online
A California postal worker allegedly stole credit, debit cards and checks to fuel a lavish lifestyle that included luxurious tropical vacations and Rolex watches she flaunted on social media Mary Ann Magdamit, 31, a former letter carrier at the Torrance Main Post Office, admitted Monday to stealing mail containing checks, personal identifying information, and debit and credit cards from her job between 2022 and July 2025, according to the US Attorney's Office. She would then activate the cards online and use them to make costly purchases. 4 Mary Ann Magdamit admitted on Monday to stealing mail containing checks, personal identifying information, and debit and credit cards while working for the US Postal Service. U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California The alleged mail thief also allegedly sold some of the cards to co-conspirators, who also helped her cash the stolen checks and create 'counterfeit identity documents in the name of the check's payee.' Magdamit proudly flaunted stacks of hundred-dollar bills she gained through stealing from unsuspecting citizens and the luxurious goods, including a Rolex watch, on Instagram. In one photo, Magdamit — wearing a Yankees hat — took a selfie as she held a stack of the bills against her ear, resembling a cell phone. She also photographed the money lying on her lap as she sat in her driver's seat. Prosecutors said Magdamit used stolen cards on international trips to Turks and Caicos and Aruba. A photo posted to the former postal workers' Instagram shows her lounging by a pool with a glass of champagne while on one of her luxurious vacations. 4 Magdamit proudly flaunted stacks of hundred-dollar bills she gained through stealing from unsuspecting citizens and the luxurious goods, including a Rolex watch, on Instagram. U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California In December 2024, law enforcement seized 133 stolen credit and debit cards and 16 US Department of the Treasury checks from her apartment. Police also found an unserialized Glock clone pistol, known as a 'ghost gun,' which had an extended 27-round magazine. Despite the raid, the former postal worker remained free until July, when federal agents discovered she was still making purchases with victims' stolen cards, according to the Justice Department. 4 A photo posted to the former postal workers' Instagram shows her lounging by a pool with a glass of champagne while on vacation. U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California Magdamit was arrested on July 1. Agents searched her apartment again and discovered more stolen credit cards. She faces one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, where she faces up to 30 years in federal prison. It's unclear if any of her co-conspirators have been arrested or charged. 4 In December 2024, law enforcement seized 133 stolen credit and debit cards and 16 US Department of the Treasury checks from her apartment. U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California The Post has reached out to the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California for comment. In March, a former US Postal Service worker in Washington, DC, Hachikosela Muchimba, was convicted of stealing around $1.6 million in checks to fund a 'lavish lifestyle that included international travel, stays at luxury hotels, and purchases at gentlemen's clubs.' At the time of his arrest in September 2023, Muchimba was trying to flee to Zambia. Muchimba, who immigrated to the US from Zambia, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit theft of mail and bank fraud, theft of mail, bank fraud, engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity, and unlawful procurement of citizenship or naturalization. He is also facing a penalty of 30 years for the bank fraud charge and five years for the mail theft charge.
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Daily Mail
USPS worker who stole checks from the mail arrested after flashing cash on social media
A Los Angeles postal worker has admitted to stealing people's checks and credit cards from their mail while flaunting stacks of cash on social media. Mary Ann Magdamit, 31, of Carson, California, an ex-employee of the US Postal Service in Torrance, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. She was arrested for the crime that victimized individuals, as well as federal banks and credit unions, on July 1 and has remained in custody since. From at least 2022 to July 2025, Magadamit abused her letter carrier position, according to a statement from the US Attorney's Office. She snatched checks, personal identifying information, debit cards and credit cards en route to people's mailboxes - all while sharing pictures of herself posing with thick wads of money on the internet. In one picture, she donned a Yankee hat while leaning a stack of bills that spanned the length of her face up against it. She sprawled out a fan of bills - about half of which appeared to have been hundreds - across her lap in a car in another shot. Magdamit activated the bank cards online and used them to make massive purchases with the stolen funds, including lavish trips to Aruba and Turks and Caicos. In a photo uploaded to her Instagram story, Magdamit held a glass of champagne as she lounged by an infinity pool, writing 'life is gooood.' She even dished out some of the cards to her co-conspirators and made them fraudulently cash the stolen checks 'using counterfeit identity documents in the name of the check's payee,' the statement reads. Magdamit's digital footprint seemingly sounded the alarm to authorities and led them straight to her door when they picked up on the mysterious missing mail pattern in the Torrance area. Her apartment was raided in December 2024 in connection with the scheme, and investigators were greeted with a slew of incriminating evidence. Law enforcement seized 133 stolen debit and credit cards, 16 US Department of Treasury checks and a loaded ghost gun with an extended 27-round magazine, the Attorney's Office wrote. A ghost gun is an unserialized Glock-style gun assembled by its owner, often forgoing the licensing required to be a legal weapon. But she was not arrested until about seven months later after agents discovered Magdamit had not learned her lesson. She had continued splurging on items with hefty price tags and the feds caught on once again. They probed her apartment once again, finding more stolen cards. The office did not share the exact number. But they did note that Magdamit 'agreed to forfeit a Rolex watch and other luxury goods.' She is due to appear in court on October 27 and faces a maximum of 30 years in federal prison. Mail theft in general has become an increasingly pressing issue across the nation. In an audit report shared by the USPS in 2023, the agency was found to have had a plan in place to tackle the matter, but it was not being well executed. 'We found they do not have deployment timelines with actionable milestones to fully implement planned initiatives to address mail theft,' the report reads. 'We also found that the Postal Service lacks accountability for their arrow keys, which are often a target in carrier robberies and are used to commit mail theft.' In another report, which was released in May using data from 2024, the agency revealed more than 58 million packages were stolen during the year. The Office of Inspector General published an internal report for 2024 that specifically addressed the problem of 'internal mail theft.' The document alleged that criminal groups are 'targeting, recruiting and colluding with postal employees to move narcotics through the postal network and to steal checks – both personal and government-issued checks – credit cards and other valuables from the mail.'
Yahoo
12-08-2025
- Yahoo
Torrance postal worker stole mail to buy a Rolex, vacation in Aruba and Turks and Caicos, feds say
A former U.S. Postal Service letter carrier in Torrance has pleaded guilty to stealing credit and debit cards and checks from the mail and flaunting her spending on luxury goods and vacations on Instagram, federal officials announced. Mary Ann Magdamit, 31, of Carson, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, according to a U.S. attorney's office for the Central District of California news release. Magdamit has been in federal custody since July 1 and previously worked as a letter carrier at the Torrance Main Post Office. Between 2022 and July 2025, Magdamit allegedly stole mail containing checks, personal identifying information and debit and credit cards before activating the cards online and using them to make purchases, according to her plea agreement and court documents. She also allegedly sold some of the stolen cards to her co-conspirators. Magdamit allegedly had her co-conspirators cash the stolen checks, usually by using fake identity documents, according to the release. She also posted photos of her vacations and luxury goods, including a Rolex watch and stacks of hundred dollar bills, on Instagram. In December 2024, law enforcement searched Magdamit's apartment and found more than 130 stolen credit and debit cards, 16 U.S. Depatment of Treasury checks and an unserialized Glock-clone handgun, also known as a "ghost gun," which was loaded with a 27-round extended magazine, according to the release. Prosecutors say she used the stolen goods to buy luxury goods and fund vacations to Turks and Caicos and Aruba. Despite the visit from law enforcement in December, prosecutors say Magdamit continued to make purchases with victims' credit cards which led to her arrest last month, according to the release. A second search of her apartment resulted in the discovery of more stolen credit cards. Magdamit has a sentencing hearing scheduled for Oct. 27 and faces up to 30 years in federal prison if convicted. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
