OAKWOOD — The Oakwood and Flowery Branch police departments have been working together to bring charges against a woman who has allegedly been trying to scam area businesses out of cash.
Oakwood Police Investigator Todd Templeton said officers have identified four businesses that have been contacted so far, and they believe there could be others.
He said investigators first got word of the ruse Friday at 10 a.m. from one of the businesses involved.
"They were calling to verify a story that they had received from a caller...who told them she worked for city hall and that a member of the police department had a family member that had experienced a house fire," said Templeton.
The caller apparently told the businesses that the family had lost everything, including the family dog; she reportedly said she was trying to raise $600 to support the family.
Initially, the business agreed to make a donation, but they contacted police and found out the solicitation was a hoax. When the woman showed up, the business refused to give her money and they got the tag number from her vehicle, which they provided to police.
Templeton said they know who the woman is, but they've not yet brought charges because they think there could be other businesses involved. He said investigators hope they will come forward.
Templeton said their investigation found that the woman was not always specific when she told the businesses where she worked or which family was in need.
"At times she simply said city hall - she didn't indicate exactly which city hall - and she also said police chief, but didn't say which police chief," said Templeton.
In at least one of the calls, though, the suspect claimed she worked for Flowery Branch City Hall. Templeton said they have determined the caller has no relationship with the city of Flowery Branch.
He said if other businesses have received phone calls, they should call him at 770-534- 2364.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/8/326784/oakwood-flowery-branch-police-search-for-telephone-scammer