06/08/2026
On June 6, 2026, Kimberly Lauren Blessing, 35 of Hartsville, SC was arrested and charged with 14 counts of Financial Identity Fraud following an investigation into the unauthorized use of another person’s personal identifying information.
Investigators determined that more than $15,000 was fraudulently obtained through loans and cellular phone purchases using the victim’s identity.
The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the officers of the Hartsville Police Department and the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation and arrest.
As a reminder, financial identity theft continues to impact victims of all ages, but elderly individuals are often targeted due to access to personal information, fixed incomes, and trusting relationships with family members, caregivers, or acquaintances.
Here are a few steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones:
• Regularly monitor bank accounts, credit card statements, and credit reports for suspicious activity.
• Never share Social Security numbers, banking information, passwords, or account details unless absolutely necessary.
• Shred documents containing personal information before disposing of them.
• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, text messages, emails, or social media messages requesting personal information.
• Consider placing fraud alerts or credit monitoring services on accounts if suspicious activity is detected.
• Family members should periodically check in with elderly relatives regarding finances, unusual purchases, new accounts, or unexpected loans.
Identity theft often goes unnoticed until significant financial damage has already occurred. Staying vigilant and maintaining open communication with loved ones can help prevent individuals from becoming victims of these crimes.
All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
