Identity fraud suspect sought after scam at Augusta bank

Date: March 12, 2024

Richmond County authorities are seeking the public’s help in identifying a suspect wanted for questioning in connection with an identity fraud case that occurred at Cadence Bank, located at 2805 Wrightsboro Road.

The incident started when two unidentified white males entered the bank around 4 p.m. Feb. 28. The individuals requested a printout of an account’s current statement and balances. One of the men presented a passport card bearing his photo and an account holder’s information.

However, suspicions arose when a bank employee looked up the supposed account holder’s details. The worker noted discrepancies in the responses provided by the individuals. Sensing something wrong, she requested they wait while she consulted with her manager. Before any further action could be taken, the men hastily departed from the bank.


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Further investigation revealed that the passport card presented by one of the suspects belonged to the victim, an unsuspecting resident of Tennessee. The victim confirmed to authorities that he was not in Augusta at the time and was unaware of anyone using his information.

The incident mirrored a similar occurrence at Cadence Bank’s branch in Evans, though it had not yet been reported to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

The responding officer secured the passport card as evidence, submitting it to authorities for further examination.

Anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the suspects is urged to contact Sgt. William Hornsby at (706) 821-1023 or the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1020 or (706) 821-1080.

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The Author

Greg Rickabaugh is an award-winning crime reporter in the Augusta-Aiken area with experience writing for The Augusta Chronicle and serving as publisher of The Jail Report. He also owns AugustaCrime.com. Rickabaugh is a 1994 graduate of the University of South Carolina and has appeared on several crime documentaries on the Investigation Discovery channel. He is married with two daughters.

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