A call from a Waynesboro bank led police to two people now accused of using a local victim’s information to get money from a bank account at multiple locations.
Officers responded to a local bank at about 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, according to Rocktown Now.
Police identified the suspects as Arlene Whitt, 32, and Michael Horton, 30. Investigators said the account activity began June 13 and involved a Waynesboro victim’s bank account information.
The amount of money involved has not been released. The case remains active, and investigators believe similar incidents may have happened in other jurisdictions, Augusta Free Press reported.
The Arrests Started With A Call From The Bank
Augusta Free Press reported that Whitt and Horton were arrested at a bank in the city as they allegedly attempted another fraudulent withdrawal.
WHSV reported that police said the pair had used the victim’s information and identity to access the account and withdraw money from multiple locations in the area.
Police said the activity dated back to June 13. They have not released the victim’s name, the bank involved, the account type, or the total loss.
Whitt Faces Four Felony Counts
Rocktown Now reported that Whitt was arrested on four felony charges: three counts of obtaining by false pretenses and one count of forgery.
WHSV described the forgery charge as forgery and uttering. Horton was charged with misdemeanor identity theft and providing false identification to law enforcement, according to Rocktown Now.
WHSV reported that Horton allegedly first lied to police about his identity.
Both Whitt and Horton were taken to Middle River Regional Jail, where they are being held without bond, according to Rocktown Now and WHSV.
Police Say Other Jurisdictions May Be Involved
Investigators have not said how the victim’s bank information was obtained.
They also have not said whether the alleged withdrawals involved teller transactions, forged documents, debit-card activity, checks, or another method. What police have said is narrower: the victim’s information was allegedly used to access the account and obtain money at multiple locations.
Waynesboro police are asking anyone with information about the incidents to contact Corporal Nystrom at 540-942-6675. Augusta Free Press reported that tips can also be made through Crime Stoppers at 800-322-2017.
Account Activity Should Be Checked Before The Pattern Spreads
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says customers who see an unauthorized withdrawal or missing money should notify their bank or credit union right away. If the unauthorized withdrawal appears on a statement, the CFPB says the bank generally must be notified within 60 days after the statement is sent.
For a case like the one Waynesboro police described, the account check is not only debit-card purchases. Bank customers should look for branch withdrawals, unfamiliar teller transactions, checks they did not write, transfers, new payees, changed contact information, and login alerts that do not match their own activity.
If something is wrong, the bank’s fraud department should be contacted through the number on the card, statement, or official website. The Federal Trade Commission says consumers should tell the bank it was an unauthorized debit or withdrawal and ask whether the transaction can be reversed.
Anyone whose identity was used can also create a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov. In Waynesboro, police said the investigation remains active while they look for information about possible related incidents.