Woman Accused of Defrauding Military Families

Police are asking for the public’s help to identify a woman who has allegedly been defrauding military families.

The suspect has targeted at least four families who posted items for sale on the “Pendleton Yard Sales” website, according to police.

“The suspect calls the victims and arranges for a meeting at the victim’s bank. The suspect gives the victims a check, that she states is her payroll check, and asks the victims to deposit it in their account,” said Acting Captain Leonard Mata.

The woman then tells the victims to deduct the cost of the item they are selling and to give her the remainder of the deposit, according to police.

“The victims deposit the check and give the suspect the remainder of the bank deposit,” said Mata.

The victims then find out that the check is fraudulent.

“The suspect usually gives the victims checks that range from $700.00 to $800.00 and the cost of the item that is sold is usually less than $100.00,” said Mata.