A Chattooga County resident has become the victim of an unusual license plate fraud, racking up multiple toll violations on Georgia’s Peach Pass system after his discarded temporary tag was illegally used by an unknown perpetrator, according to a Summerville Police Department investigation.

Tyrone Lafochia Morgan contacted police after receiving a bill for eight separate Peach Pass violations, all occurring on or after May 5. The violations included photographs of a dark-colored Lincoln SUV bearing his former temporary license plate.

According to Summerville Police, Morgan had purchased a 2019 white Ford F-150 from Courtesy Ford in Rome on approximately April 1. The dealership issued him a Georgia temporary tag, which he used until receiving his permanent license plate in the mail on April 15.

“The complainant states that he installed the [permanent] tag on his vehicle and that he tossed the temporary tag in the rear of his truck,” the police report states. Morgan was unaware that someone had taken possession of the discarded temporary plate until he received the Peach Pass bill.

Summerville Police verified Morgan’s account by visiting the Chattooga County Tag Office. The tag office confirmed through the state database that the temporary tag had indeed expired on April 15 and provided written verification. The investigation revealed that an unknown individual or individuals had been using the expired temporary tag without Morgan’s knowledge or permission, with all fraudulent violations occurring in May, well after the tag’s expiration date.

Summerville Police also contacted Georgia Peach Pass customer service. A representative advised that Morgan should obtain the police report and supporting documents to dispute the charges through the Peach Pass online portal.

This case serves as a crucial reminder about the importance of properly disposing of temporary license plates and other vehicle documents that contain personal information. Georgia temporary tags typically remain valid for 30 days from the date of vehicle purchase. The investigation into the identity of the perpetrator is ongoing.