Manasquan Man Charged in $200K Credit Card Fraud Scheme

September 5, 2024

FREEHOLD, N.J. — A Manasquan man has been charged in connection with a scheme that allegedly involved using a former business client’s credit card to make unauthorized purchases, netting more than $200,000, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Wednesday.

Adam C. Kleinwaks, 55, is facing charges of second-degree money laundering and second-degree theft by unlawful taking.

According to an investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit, Kleinwaks, a salesman for a printing company, fraudulently used a former client’s credit card to purchase over $130,000 worth of items. He then allegedly resold those items, including labels for recreational commercial products, to another client, receiving checks totaling more than $200,000. Kleinwaks is accused of cashing those checks and depositing the funds into a personal bank account.

The investigation began earlier this year after the matter was referred to the MCPO by the credit card company’s security personnel. Kleinwaks turned himself in to authorities last week and was released on a summons. He is scheduled to make his first appearance in Monmouth County Superior Court on Thursday, October 10.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Diane Aifer of the MCPO Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit. Kleinwaks is being represented by attorney Thomas Huth.

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information regarding Kleinwaks’ activities to contact MCPO Detective Robert Afanasewicz at 800-533-7443.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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