Police Blotter: Identity Theft Arrest

A 49-year-old Park Ridge woman is accused of stealing the identity of a Franklin Lakes resident to open multiple fraudulent credit accounts, police said.

Joann McGrady was arrested Thursday and charged with identity theft, Franklin Lakes Police Lt. John Bakelaar said.

The victim discovered the fraudulent accounts after she began receiving notices from collection agencies two weeks ago, Bakelaar said. An investigation revealed 15 fraudulent accounts had been opened during a two-year span using the victim's social security number. 

McGrady, who police said was not known by the victim, was released on $5,000 bail. 

"Residents should periodically check their credit reports for unauthorized activity," Lt. Bakelaar said. Reports can be found at Equifax,  Experian and Transunion.

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On May 16, a Windswept Lane resident reported to police that someone attempted to fraudulently transfer $8,000 from his Discover account.  Det. Anthony Pacelli investigated.

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On May 3, police arrested at 28-year-old Franklin Lakes resident on an outstanding warrant out of the Butler Municipal Court.  Sgt. Carmine Pezzuti and Officer Richard Osenbruck investigated.