Oakwood Police are hoping the public will be able to identify a man who allegedly stole a South Carolina resident's identity to secure a $5,000 loan from Lanier Federal Credit Union, the second such crime he's apparently committed.
The suspect, described as a black man in his late 40s or early 50s, standing around six feet tall and weighing about 185 pounds, is accused of a similar crime at Hall Co. Credit Union in Gainesville, said Oakwood Police Sgt. Danny Sridej.
"The suspect was able to apply for a loan with the credit union online ... and of course with the victim having good credit, the suspect was able to get the loan approved," said Sridej.
The man allegedly obtained a counterfeit South Carolina driver's license with the victim's name and personal information. The only thing that was different, Sridej said, was the picture.
"And then what he would do is provide a false document, like a W-2, or a pay stub, and even a cable invoice to show a current address in the Gainesville area. And then once the loan was approved, all he had to do was walk into the credit union and present himself ... and sign the loan and walk away," said Sridej.
The credit union caught the crime, which happened February 28, when it reached out to the victim for further confirmation.
Police said the best way to avoid falling victim to such a crime is to keep a close eye on your credit report, and check it regularly.
Anyone with information in the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (404) 577-TIPS (8477), where callers will remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
