Officials: NJ Woman Used Deceased Aunt's Identity To Fraudulently Access Bank Accounts
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) - A New Jersey woman plead guilty Thursday to using her deceased aunt's identity to obtain access to credit card and deposit accounts, causing three backs to lose more than $30,000, according to authorities.
Officials say Jocelyn Russo, 36, pretended to be her aunt "JB" and used the woman's Social Security number and other personal identifying information to fraudulently add herself to JB's account at Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase. Officials say she also opened up a deposit account at Bank of America.
According to authorities, Russo called Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase and claimed to be JB, providing personal identifying information.
Russo then reportedly added herself to JB's credit card accounts as an authorized signer and used the cards. Officials say Russo also admitted that she used JB's debit card to access her Provident Bank account without authorization.
Russo made large purchases on JB's credit cards, which she did not pay off, and withdrew all of the funds from JB's bank accounts with Provident Bank, authorities said. The scheme caused Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Provident Bank to lose more than $30,000.
Russo is charged with bank fraud and can face a potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 19, 2013.
