Police: Woman targeted man with autism, stole ID


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LAYTON — Police say 34-year-old Kristina Bowers took advantage of a 35-year-old's autism to steal his identity.

"When it's a vulnerable adult like that, it's a sad story," Layton police Sgt. John Holden said.

While the crimes took place in late 2015, Holden said investigators could not find Bowers, until she was finally arrested on a warrant Wednesday afternoon. Detectives were alerted to the problem when the man's mother contacted them, Holden said.

"She told us that someone, an unknown person, had applied for a credit card in his name and she had been receiving bills for that," Holden said.

Police say Bowers applied for an American Express credit card in the man's name and was able to get the card sent directly to her apartment.

"The appearance is that she applied for the card, had it sent to the victim's residence and then did a change of address, and had it sent to her residence," Holden said.

In order to complete a change of address request with the postal service, an applicant must present some form of identification. In addition, according to the service's website, a confirmation letter is sent to the original address before the change is made.

Holden said homeowners should always retrieve mail from the mailbox as soon as possible. Identity theft can also be avoided through some simple precautions.

"Never give your personal information out over the phone," Holden said. "Secure your personal papers and identification cards. Don't leave them in your vehicle unattended."

Holden said investigators found Bowers after she was seen in surveillance video using the stolen credit card. She's currently in the Davis County Jail, facing several charges, including mail theft, identity theft and fraudulent use of a credit card.

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