Kapiti Police have arrested a 41 year old Wellington man for fraudulently obtaining goods worth more than $50,000.

Police allege that the man is contacting retailers and ordering goods over the phone and internet and using dishonestly obtained credit card numbers to pay for the goods. The man is then uplifting the goods from the retailers.

The credit card numbers are legitimate but the offender does not physically have the credit cards. As the cards are not reported as stolen the transactions are generally being processed.

"This is a timely reminder for retailers to ensure that correct procedures are followed when processing credit card transactions. This should include requesting the identification number from the card and sighting the actual credit card when items are picked up on order. I would urge all retailers to scrutinise telephone and internet transactions involving credit cards and contact their bank if they have any concerns" says Detective Sergeant Ian Martin of the Kapiti police.

The man has allegedly obtained property from a variety of retailers, in particular targeting high value items from electronic and hardware stores throughout the Wellington, Kapiti and Hutt area.

Kapiti and Wellington Police executed a series of search warrants on Friday but none of the property obtained has been recovered.

It is possible that there are further people involved who are offending in a similar manner.

The man appeared in the Porirua District Court on Saturday 20 March 2010 on 8 charges of obtaining by deception. Inquiries are continuing and Police expect it is likely that more charges will be laid.

Police are working with the banks involved to establish the full extent of the offending.

The man was remanded in custody to appear in the Porirua District Court on 23 March 2010.