A man has been arrested following a lengthy investigation into an alleged identity theft and fraud scheme that caused more than $93,000 in losses in Wake County, authorities said.
The Wake County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies first became aware of the fraud on Dec. 10, after an incident was reported in the 3700 block of Cassaro Lane near Zebulon. The victim discovered multiple bank accounts and credit cards in delinquency listed on their credit report.
Further investigation revealed that, beginning in October, additional evidence showed numerous companies had been fraudulently registered in the victim’s name in the state of Maryland. Authorities said those businesses were linked to outstanding bank accounts, credit cards, and loans accumulated over an 18-month period.
Deputies traced the fraudulent activity to 45-year-old Wisdom Banks-Bey, according to the sheriff’s office.
Arrest warrants were issued charging Banks-Bey with eight counts of identity theft, seven counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, seven counts of accessing computers, five counts of financial transaction card theft, and five counts of financial transaction card fraud.
On Monday, Banks-Bey was arrested in Maryland by the Maryland State Police. He is currently being held without bond, pending further legal proceedings.
