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2 Women Arrested In Credit Card Cash Advance Scam

EAGLE COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- Two women have been arrested in a credit card cash advance scam in Eagle County and Summit County.

Vanessa Ravare and Cynthia Johnson were arrested and charged with identity theft, forgery, criminal impersonation, unauthorized use of a financial transaction device and theft as well as charges for violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act in a racketeering conspiracy.

Ravare, also known as Sandra Seawell, and Johnson, also known as Jacquelyn Murray, both face up to 48 years in prison for the organized crime violations.

"Fraud effects are widespread undermining our trust in banks and raising costs for everybody," said Assistant District Attorney Heidi McCollum in a statement. "Diligent coordination among law enforcement agencies in this complex, multi-county investigation, with skill and persistence, has led to these two arrests. We continue to seek other suspects who are at large."

Police arrested Johnson Oct. 14 in Frisco after she failed to get a cash advance of nearly $5,000 from Alpine Bank with a credit card under using a false name. When the transaction could not be completed, Johnson claimed it was because the credit card company was not aware of her travel plans.

Johnson then asked the teller to call the number on the back of the credit card that was answered by an accomplice impersonating a Capital One customer service representative.

Ravare was arrested on Oct. 21 in Silverthorne attempting to complete the same scam.

The suspects are scheduled to appear in court in Summit County on Nov. 3.

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