HAMMOND — A group that was originally thought to be involved in a credit card fraud operation at a Home Depot were actually victims of a scam themselves, the Hammond Police Department said.

Hammond Police said Tuesday they learned the suspected individuals made an online purchase of $13,000 worth of electronic wire and were able to obtain photographs of the suspects when they came to the Hammond store for pickup.

After interviewing the suspected, police believe they were victims in the scam as well.

Detectives said they learned of an ongoing scam in which unknown people are using stolen credit cards to purchase electrical supplies from local retailers. After making a purchase, these unknown people will contract a local company to pick up and deliver the items.

Police said that the local company only learns of the scam when a chargeback results from the stolen credit card used to pay for pickup and delivery. This scam is following a similar pattern that has been reported to other law enforcement agencies, police said.

Anyone knowing the identity of the suspects or who has any information is asked to contact Detective Ronney Domiano with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5739.