An extensive fraud investigation in Chatham County has led to more than 180 felony charges against eight individuals, authorities announced. The case began in November 2024, when a family member with power of attorney noticed suspicious activity in an elderly relative’s investment account and reported it to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators, working alongside the victim’s financial institution, uncovered a scheme involving the unauthorized use of the victim’s personal information to apply for credit cards and settle payments with companies like Verizon, T-Mobile, Geico, Duke Energy, and South River EMC.
The eight individuals charged are accused of obtaining property through false pretenses, committing identity theft, and, in some cases, perpetrating insurance fraud. Charges vary widely among the accused, with one individual facing nearly 80 counts alone. Each defendant is scheduled to appear in court on May 12 in Pittsboro.
This case highlights the serious consequences of financial exploitation, particularly of vulnerable populations such as the elderly. It also underscores the critical role that vigilant family members and proactive financial institutions play in identifying and stopping fraud early…