ATHENS, Ga. — A man accused of catfishing may have had victims across multiple states.
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Caleb Mills of South Carolina was arrested on July 20 by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department on identity fraud charges and related fraudulent offenses.
Investigators said Mills used fictitious online identities to defraud unsuspecting victims in a catfishing operation.
Detectives have identified additional victims across multiple states as the investigation proceeds.
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According to police, Mills allegedly created fake online personas using photos taken from women’s social media accounts.
He used these fictitious accounts, including one under the name “Hailey Morello,” to establish online relationships with victims.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department cautioned community members to exercise care when building relationships online, particularly if an individual they have never met asks for money, gifts or other material items.
Police noted that online scams and catfishing schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated alongside advancements in technology and artificial intelligence.
Law enforcement officials urged anyone who believes they may have been victimized in this investigation or by any other fraudulent activity to contact the department and file a official report.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact Sgt. Nathaniel Franco by email at Nathaniel.Franco@accgov.com or by phone at 762-400-7100.
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