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Sandra Yi ReportingSalt Lake County authorities nab a woman behind an elaborate fraud operation. Nearly 90 possible victims have been identified so far. Authorities arrested the suspect on Wednesday, who allegedly made fake checks and IDs with victim's account numbers and pictures.
Workers became suspicious when the suspect bought a high ticket item from the Fort Union Home Depot with a fake check. The investigation led authorities to a fraud scheme that was so extensive they say the dollar amount involved is anyone's guess.
Salt Lake County authorities say Suzanne Seeley was no amateur. The suspect allegedly ran a sophisticated fraud operation inside her Avenues apartment for two years.
Sgt. Darren Carr, Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office: "She had high tech computers, a top quality printer, laminators, card stocks. Everything necessary to make checks and identification."
Investigators also found a garment bag filled with IDs, checks, birth certificates, social security cards and stolen property.
Sgt. Darren Carr: "And after we had a chance to sit down and look through it, there was about 86 different names that have been or could have been used."
Authorities say the motive was drug related, typical of most fraud cases.
Sgt. Darren Carr: "She said I used to have a job and I was making money the honest way, got involved in the drug habit and it was through the drug connections that she met her boyfriend and eventually learned this trick of the trade."
Investigators say anyone can be a victim. In fact, suspects only need an account number to forge a check. Seeley allegedly used one of her victim's checks at the Home Depot without stealing the checkbook. Authorities say everyone needs to be cautious, including businesses.
Sgt. Darren Carr: "Ask for ID, actually hold it, look at the picture, compare the picture."
The suspect told investigators that businesses need to ask more questions when someone writes a check or uses a credit card. As for the victims involved, authorities are still in the process of contacting them.
