Fake ID scheme drains nearly $87K from multiple victims prosecutors say
TRENTON, N.J. — A Hudson County woman has been indicted after authorities say she used fake identities to access bank accounts and steal more than $86,000 from multiple victims.
Ibelis Gonzalez, 46, of Jersey City, is charged with theft by deception, identity theft and offenses involving false government documents, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
Prosecutors allege Gonzalez targeted six victims between May 14 and June 10, 2024, using fraudulent identification to obtain debit cards tied to their accounts.
Authorities said she then used the cards to withdraw cash at bank branches and ATMs across New Jersey, totaling approximately $86,840.
Investigators allege Gonzalez made in-person withdrawals of about $60,500 at Citizens Bank locations, with additional funds taken through ATM and debit transactions.
The scheme came to a halt on June 10, 2024, when Gonzalez allegedly attempted to obtain another debit card at a Citizens Bank branch in Irvington.
Bank employees alerted police, who responded and confiscated an identification card authorities say contained Gonzalez’s photo but was issued under a victim’s name.
If convicted, Gonzalez faces up to 10 years in prison on second-degree charges and up to five years on third-degree offenses.
Officials emphasized that the charges are accusations and Gonzalez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Key Points
- Jersey City woman indicted in $86K identity theft scheme
- Suspect allegedly used fake IDs to access six victims’ accounts
- More than $60K withdrawn in person at bank branches