Feds Bust Identity Theft Ring in South Carolina
Ten people have been convicted in South Carolina for participating in a fraud ring, which used stolen identities to purchase luxury vehicles and obtain loans and housing.
The ringleader of this fraud scheme was Ronda Weston, also known as Lisa Caldwell or Lisa Baker, a 49-year-old woman from Columbia, according to a Justice Department press release.
Weston pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud, according to a plea agreement obtained by The Daily Muck. Weston, who had already been prosecuted twice prior to this case, now faces 20 years in prison. She will be sentenced on Nov. 21.
Fraud Ring Operating Out of South Carolina
Along with Weston, others convicted in the same case include Keshon Harrison, 46, of Elgin, S.C.; Michael Terrance Butler, 54, of Columbia, S.C.; Kasaun Dante Simmons, 27, of Blythewood, S.C.; William Charles Brown, 37, of Columbia, S.C.; Monique Sherrie Corbett, also known as Monique Sumter, 52, of Columbia, S.C.; Stanzetta Teresa Johnson, 63, of Columbia, S.C.; Shakirah Khalidah Chapman, 28, of Columbia, S.C.; Ashley Nicole Drummond, 39, of Lugoff, S.C. and Darryl Dewayne Dumas, 61, of Palatka, Fla.
From July 2020 through August 2023, the ten coconspirators obtained stolen identity information from the dark web, including names, home addresses, social security numbers, credit card scores, dates of birth and more, according to an indictment obtained by The Daily Muck. The criminal gang used these stolen identities to obtain fraudulent driver’s licenses, utility accounts, pay stubs, social security cards and bank accounts.
Using these items as identification, they purchased luxury vehicles, including a Jaguar, Maserati and Range Rover, and several RVs, pickups, SUVs, sedans, golf carts, motorcycles and ATVs.
But getting the vehicles wasn’t enough: they used them to obtain title loans from financial institutions, claiming they were selling vehicles between themselves when they were really using these loans to enrich themselves, say prosecutors.
They also leased and rented residences under their victims’ names.
Court documents state that conspirators were responsible for around $650,000 obtained through this scheme. During the investigation, authorities seized residences, boats, vehicles, cash and other property.
Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
Fraud rings like this are out to get you and everyone else, but you can make it hard for them by limiting the personal information you share online. Personal identifying information (PII) includes your date of birth, social security number, driver’s license number and other information that is unique to you. Fraudsters can use this information to open new accounts in your name, ruining your credit in the process. If you use social media, avoid sharing your personal information, especially outside your friend group.
To prevent your PII from being stolen, create complex passwords that use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols and contain as many characters as is allowed. Each of your online accounts should have its own password. That way, if one site is hacked, fraudsters won’t be able to access your information on other sites.
Another important thing to do is to enable two-factor identification on every account you can. When you enable two-factor identification, you will receive a code via text or email that you will enter after your password. If your password is stolen, the criminals won’t be able to access your account without that code. Two-factor identification is becoming increasingly available, so when one of your accounts prompts you to enable it, do so.
Finally, carefully monitor your bank statements and mail and make sure there are no unknown accounts or transactions.
You can find other identity theft prevention tips here.
How to Report Identity Theft
If you suspect you’ve become a victim of identity theft, the first step is to contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and file a report at IdentityTheft.gov.
Then, follow up by contacting your local police and filing a report.
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