In May 2019, the Town of Trophy Club received a certified letter from the FBI notifying the Town of an active investigation by in which the Town had been identified as a potential victim. As it is an active investigation, the letter did not identify what type of crime the Town was potentially a victim of, rather, it gave a website and phone number for the Town Attorney to contact for additional details. Over the past several months, attempts were made via email, phone and through the given website, no response or information was provided, however.
Last week Mayor Sanders requested a follow up on the letter to see if contact could be made again for more case information. Town Manager Norwood was able to make contact with the FBI and speak to an investigator assigned to the case. The investigator indicated the investigation was pertaining to potential credit card wire fraud and the software that the Town uses to receive monies from citizens paying court fines, building permits, and/or park and recreation fees. Below is the automated reply the Town received after that conversation.
FBI Official Response to Case Number: 29Q-XX-XXXXXXX
This investigation pertains to the credit card processing company, Electronic Transaction Systems (ETS), located in Ashburn, Virginia. Our investigation has indicated you either were or currently are, a customer of ETS. Accordingly, you have been identified as a potential victim of a federal crime, which may include violations of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Wire Fraud), among others. The matter under investigation is historical in nature; the FBI has no reason to believe the fraud is ongoing or that any sensitive data had been compromised.
Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, we are unable to provide any additional details at this time, however, you will continue to receive notifications in accordance with the Crime Victims' Rights Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3771. Additional information regarding your rights can be found by visiting the United States Department of Justice website, https://www.justice.gov/usao/resources/crime-victims-rights-ombudsman/victims-rights-act.
Mayor Sanders and Council were updated on the status of this case and will continue to work transparently with the FBI on anything needed moving forward. At this time, no procedural measures were needed to be adjusted with regards to the Electronic Transaction Systems (ETS). Staff is prepared however to make changes should the investigation require it.