Scammers stopping people's mail, stealing ID

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. - Henry County police are searching for a scammer who is putting a “stop” on people's mail and then stealing their identity to open up news credit card accounts.

Investigators said in the last two weeks they have had three victims step forward whose homes are for sale and who use the same Stockbridge Post Office.

Cathy Russell, one of the victims spoke to FOX 5 News, at her Stockbridge area home in Henry County. Mrs. Russell and Gracie her Golden-Doodle, were frolicking at their home which is for sale as they prepare to move to a new home.

"When I started the mortgage application process, I was advised a couple days later that there had been a change in my credit report," said Mrs. Russell.

When she checked her credit report she found an inquiry for a credit card for which she never applied.

Then the next red flag, the following Monday, Mrs. Russell did not get her anticipated mail. She filed a report with Henry County police and then went to her post office in Stockbridge where she learned someone had put a stop on her mail.

"I found out later, about thirty minutes I was there, someone tried to pick up the mail that was being held,” said Mrs. Russell. “To get the American Express card that was in there.”

Henry County police said they are looking for the man who quickly left the post office without getting the fraudulently obtained credit card.

Investigators said so far there are two other victims who also have their homes listed, had their mail stopped, and used the same Stockbridge Post office as Mrs. Russell.

"We don't know how popular this is at this point because it's new to us also. And do you think there are other victims out there? There may be. We don't know at this time," said Sgt. Danny Gibbs.

Henry County police are asking people who have inexplicably not received their mail, especially if their homes are for sale, to check with their post office.

Mrs. Russell said she has put a fraud alert on her funds and wants the crook caught before it happens to someone else.

"I'll forgive them, but please don't do it to anybody else, please stop," said Mrs. Russell.

The Henry County Police Department said they are working with the United States Postal Service to try to catch the scam artist.

Anyone with any information or with concerns is asked to contact the Henry County Police Department.