Gwinnett woman helps bring down Internet scammers; more victims sought

A Grayson woman is credited with helping bring down a trio of Internet scammers who allegedly used Craigslist to defraud people in an internet scam involving airplane tickets and an internet box. As a result of her efforts, on Friday, Nov. 17, officers with the Gwinnett South Precinct arrested Teisha Dunbar, 26, of Decatur and Nicholas Gates, 29, of Palmetto and warrants have been obtained for Natiya Pope, 40, of Union City.

According to a press release from Gwinnett County Police Department, the suspects are accused of “operating an elaborate scam on social media to advertise Delta Airlines airplane tickets and Comcast box internet for sale on Craigslist.” The tickets and the box internet were not legitimate.

The Grayson woman found the advertisement posted on the internet and responded. However, when she realized that her purchase was a scam, she recontacted the suspects claiming to want another transaction, This time, however, she wanted to meet the suspects in person to pay cash. She then contacted GCPD and the suspects also got to meet with officers from the Gwinnett South Precinct at a local hair salon on Centerville Highway in unincorporated Snellville. Gates and Dunbar were arrested immediately, but Pope remains at large. They have each been charged with two counts of felony theft by deception.

GCPD is urging other potential victims to call their local law enforcement agency to report any fraudulent transactions involving these suspect. If anyone else comes forward, the number of charges against the suspects could rise.

The lead investigator said this case and subsequent arrests “would not be possible without the bravery, persistence and determination of the victim who decided to turn the tables on the perpetrators.”