INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Police arrested one person involved in a fraud ring targeted at Florida Dillard’s stores when she allegedly attempted to use false identification information to purchase two Michael Kors watches and a $400 gift card at the Indian River Mall location.
Donna George, 51, of the 3400th block of S. Pine Avenue in Ocala, Fla., faces felony charges of criminal use of personal identification information and grand theft over $300.
According to the arrest affidavit, George was following orders of a black female known as “Nicci” who allegedly offered George money in exchange for making purchases with a credit card owned by another person.
The hoax, which had been successfully carried out on the same credit card in at least four Dillard’s locations, involved “Nicci” calling Dillard’s ahead of the fraudulent purchase, and giving her “step-daughter” permission to make purchases on the credit card.
George would then memorize the identification information provided on the credit card and make purchases after “Nicci” dropped her off at each location, according to the arrest report.
Though George was apprehended, the woman known as Nicci was alerted that law enforcement was on the scene and fled. She is believed to be driving a green Tahoe and may be accompanied by another black female.
George’s attempted purchases totaled $1,385.15. She is being held in lieu of $5,000 bond.