Internet 'seduced' schoolboys into credit card fraud

JASON BENNETTO

Crime Correspondent

At least 14 teenagers from one of the country's top public schools are being questioned by police after they allegedly used information from the Internet to carry out thousands of pounds' worth of credit card fraud.

The pupils, aged from 14 to 16, from Highgate School, north London, obtained a 13-page guide on how to commit fraud and where illegally to obtain credit card numbers from the computer information system.

The fraud manual is believed to have been written by a criminal using the nickname The Metallian. The boys allegedly used the information to illegally order thousands of pounds' worth of computers and games.

The parents of one 15-year-old boy reportedly called in the police after their son admitted using other people's credit card details to buy computer equipment. They became suspicious after large amounts of expensive mail order goods were delivered to their home. All the teenagers involved are believed to have used computers at home rather than school equipment.

The police uncovered the fraud after a credit card company reported several suspicious transactions.

The police are dismayed at the ease with which the boys were able to obtain information about how to commit crimes. More sophisticated computer programmes being used by criminals are capable of tracking credit card numbers from people ordering goods on the Internet.

Detective Inspector Ron Laverick said: "The Internet is a horrible monster that's been created and we can't do anything about it. It's out of control.

"The bulletin about credit card fraud was almost certainly written by a criminal - you could tell by the type of phrases and advice. Also his grammar and spelling were awful."

He added: "The boys involved are nice, bright kids and this was one act of stupidity. They were seduced into trying something that was made to sound exciting. They will probably grow up to be leading members of the country and this one episode should not ruin their lives."

So far, six boys have been bailed to return to the police on 19 July when detectives will decide whether any charges or cautions are necessary.

Richard Kennedy, headteacher of Highgate School, which has 1,100 pupils, said: "We are not intending to take any action while the police action is under way.

"There's no suggestion of any offence taking place at school or using school computers."

Visa and high street banks have warned people not to use the Internet to order goods because of fraud and the difficulty in preventing criminals gaining access to card details.