South Carolina Man Charged in Multi-State Catfishing and Identity Fraud Scheme
An Upstate man from Taylors, South Carolina, has been charged with identity fraud in a multi-state catfishing scheme where he allegedly used women's photos to create fake online personas and defraud victims. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department announced the charges.
Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, September 8, 2026 — A resident of Taylors, South Carolina, is facing charges of identity fraud in connection with an alleged multi-state catfishing operation. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department announced the charges against the Upstate man.
Authorities allege that the suspect created fake online personas using photographs of women. These fabricated identities were reportedly used to engage in a catfishing scheme, ultimately defrauding victims. The full scope of the scheme, including the number of states involved beyond what is implied by “multi-state,” and the total duration of the alleged fraudulent activities, were not immediately detailed.
Details regarding the specific victims targeted, the total financial amounts involved in the alleged fraud, or the precise methods used to defraud victims beyond the creation of fake online personas, were not publicly disclosed by law enforcement at the time of the announcement. The contractor’s name was also not provided in the initial information released.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department is leading the investigation. Further information regarding the timeline of the alleged crimes, specific dates of charges being filed, or any subsequent legal proceedings was not made available. The investigation is ongoing, and additional details are expected as the case progresses.
Story summarized from the original created by Mary Kate Howland on www.foxcarolina.com, see more information here.
