Woman stole Fertitta’s identity, police say
A Spring woman attempted to use Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta’s Social Security number to illegally open lines of credit, police allege.
Stephanie Hunter, 27, told investigators that she purchased the mogul’s sensitive information on the dark web and applied for a bank credit card and line of credit with a popular furniture store, according to charging documents.
The companies approved both applications, but Lifelock — a credit and identity monitoring service — spotted problems with the application and alerted Fertitta directly, police said.
Hunter allegedly used Fertitta’s name, Social Security number and other personal information on the application.
However, she created a fake email address (with the username fertitta.t57) and used her own home address in Spring for the application, police said.
Fertitta called deputies with the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, who arrested Hunter on an unrelated warrant and questioned her about the credit lines in October. That’s when she admitted to the scheme, police said.
She was charged with fraudulent use of identifying information and using a false statement to obtain credit.
Investigators also said they believe Hunter is connected to more than a dozen other cases with other potential victims, including Walmart heir Alice Walton. Additional charges are pending, Constable
Alan Rosen said.
Fertitta's ownership portfolio features Houston-based Landry's Inc., with more than 600 concepts nationwide including over 60 brands, four aquariums, 11 hotels and two amusement parks. He also owns the Houston Rockets and starred in the reality TV show “Billion Dollar Buyer.”
A spokesperson for Fertitta did not respond to a request for comment.