Georgia Teen Arrested After Allegedly Scamming Ex-Boyfriend Out of $7,000 in Fake Child Support Scheme Involving Unrelated Child
GEORGIA — An 18-year-old woman in Georgia is facing criminal charges after investigators say she carried out an elaborate deception that convinced her former boyfriend to pay $7,000 in child support for a baby that was not biologically connected to either of them.
Authorities say the case came to light after the alleged victim contacted law enforcement in December, raising concerns about repeated child support demands that did not add up.
Arrest Made Following Theft by Deception Investigation
Police confirmed that Brya Hardy, 18, was arrested on December 31, 2025, and charged with theft by deception. Investigators allege Hardy falsely claimed that her ex-boyfriend was the father of a child and demanded financial support over an extended period. According to authorities, the ex-boyfriend initially complied with the payments, believing he was financially responsible for the child.
Photo of Child Allegedly Used to Support False Claims
Investigators say Hardy allegedly provided the ex-boyfriend with a photo of a baby as part of the scheme, reinforcing the claim that the child was his. The deception reportedly worked, resulting in thousands of dollars being transferred to Hardy. However, during the investigation, law enforcement determined that the baby was not biologically related to the ex-boyfriend — and was not Hardy’s child at all, but rather an unrelated child.
Victim Alerts Police After Growing Suspicious
Authorities say the case unraveled after the ex-boyfriend contacted police in December, expressing doubts about the legitimacy of the child support demands. That tip prompted a deeper investigation, ultimately leading to Hardy’s arrest. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed how long the alleged scheme lasted but confirmed that the total amount paid reached approximately $7,000.
Police Urge Other Potential Victims to Come Forward
Following the arrest, authorities encouraged anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a similar scheme to contact law enforcement. Investigators are working to determine whether additional victims exist.
Officials emphasized that deception-based financial crimes often rely on emotional pressure and personal relationships, making them particularly difficult for victims to detect early.
Case Highlights Risks of Informal Financial Arrangements
Law enforcement officials noted that legitimate child support obligations should always be handled through official legal channels, including courts or state agencies, to prevent fraud and protect all parties involved.
Hardy remains under legal proceedings as the case moves forward. Additional charges could be considered depending on the outcome of the investigation. What are your thoughts on this case and the growing trend of financial scams tied to personal relationships? Share your perspective and follow continuing updates at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
