Gwinnett County police arrested a man at a local McDonald’s who they say attempted to sell a property he did not own by stealing the identity of its rightful owner.
Police say 55-year-old Armond Long, of Lilburn, posed as the property owner and listed the land for sale on Zillow.
The scheme unraveled when the actual owner discovered the listing while the sale was pending and contacted authorities.
Records show the land was pending for $130,000 before law enforcement got involved.
“He didn’t have any intention of selling that property, so he contacted local authorities,” said Cpl. Juan Madiedo.
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Authorities in Lake Havasu City, Arizona worked with Gwinnett County police to set up a sting operation.
Long agreed to meet at a McDonald’s near the Mall of Georgia to sign final closing documents. An undercover Gwinnett officer, posing as a courier, handed Long documents to sign using the stolen identity.
The moment Long signed, officers moved in and arrested him on Tuesday.
Police said the suspect is part of a larger organization and believe there may be more people involved and additional fraudulent property listings.
“This suspect is part of a larger organization,” Madiedo said. “If you own property, check to make sure it’s not being sold and make sure your ID is not being used.”
Long was taken into custody and the investigation into the organization behind the fraud is ongoing.
Police are urging property owners to stay vigilant and monitor their assets to avoid falling victim to similar schemes.
