The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has identified a woman orchestrating a bank fraud scheme.
In October 2023, HCSO launched a bank fraud investigation with the help of Suncoast Credit Union.
An unknown person was conducting bank fraud by opening multiple accounts using false North Carolina IDs. Once the accounts were opened, the suspect defrauded the bank of more than $165,000.
Victims were identified in multiple areas of the southeastern United States.
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HCSO Economic Crimes detectives continued to work on this investigation with the United States Secret Service Tampa Field Office and the US Attorney’s Office. After an extensive investigation, Coretta Bates, 31, was identified as the suspect. She has active federal warrants for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft.
“This investigation exemplifies the critical importance of collaboration and community vigilance in combating crimes,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We are committed to relentlessly pursuing justice and holding accountable those who seek to defraud innocent individuals and institutions.”
If you know Bates’s whereabouts, please contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200.
Bates has connections to Atlanta, Georgia.
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