A woman was busted by police for allegedly using a fake ID to purchase thousands of dollars in merchandise from the Kohl's in Westgate.
Police call it a fraudulent purchase.
"I take your ID, or your credit card account, have a fake ID in your name and go charge whatever I want in your name," said Lt. Paul Shepard with Fairview Park police.
VIDEO: Men steal thousands of dollars worth of clothes from Victoria's Secret in Akron
The woman, with two fake IDs in hand, is accused of pretending to be a legitimate Kohl's charge customer. She purchased hundreds of dollars in jewelry and more than a thousand dollars total on the account, police said.
"The sales associate asked for ID, the woman produced a fake ID in the name of the account holder and made a transaction," Lt. Shepard said.
He said the store and police had been alerted of groups doing this at the retail chain, so when she raised a red flag to an associate, police followed up.
RELATED: Fraudulent returns by thieves create hassle for law-abiding shoppers
"Good investigation! They ended up recovering about $7,000 in stolen merchandise," Lt. Shepard said.
Kohl's corporate offices will not share any information on loss prevention.
So how do you protect yourself?
"Every year you can do a credit check to see if you have accounts in your name. Check your bills! Don't just pay them blindly," Lt. Shepard told News 5.
