Police say this man had more than 1 million stolen identities in his backpack and they want help finding him

Published 5:09 pm Friday, May 29, 2020

Alabama authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating a suspect who is believed to have possessed more than 1 million stolen identities.

The man, Fred Collins Jr. 22, of Trussville, eluded Trussville authorities working to execute a narcotics search warrant earlier this month.

Investigators say they observed suspicious activity outside of the target location. During the execution of the warrant Collins ignored verbal commands and fled on foot. Collins was able to escape apprehension but dropped a bag while running from police.

The bag contained what appeared to be a credit card encoding device along with blank cards containing magnetic strips. The bag also contained a notebook with identifying information along with a laptop.

A search warrant was obtained for the electronic devices within the bag and investigators with the Trussville Police Department, who specialize in digital forensics, imaged the device and discovered evidence that suggest that Collins was utilizing the dark web to purchase stolen identities.

“We kindly request that you turn yourself in at the Trussville Police Department. Investigators wish to speak with you about the contents of your bag and the beginners guide to credit card fraud manual that was found within your property,” Trussville police wrote in a news release.

More than 1 million identities (which include email addresses/passwords, credit card numbers and Social Security numbers) were observed on the laptop.

Collins is wanted on charges of trafficking stolen identities, which carries a $1 million bond, and possessing encoded data fraud, which carries a $15,000 bond.

If you have any information related to this case or the location of Fred Collins JR you’re asked to submit a crime tip via email at crimetip@trussville.org. If you wish to remain anonymous you’re encouraged to contact crime stoppers at 205-254-7777.