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New Castle woman charged with stealing older woman's identity

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Police charged a New Castle woman on Friday after they said she befriended an older woman and stole her identity.

Police said Brandi Zambelli told her victim that she was a chiropractor and that she could help the older woman with her money issues.

"She told her she could help her get a better rating if she would just give her all her credit cards," said New Castle Police Chief Robert Salem.

According to authorities, Zambelli opened up two more credit cards in the victim's name over the course of four months.

Police said Zambelli then charged more than $21,000 in the victim's name, buying items like groceries, pharmaceuticals, and dining out.

One of the biggest charges that stood out to police was a more than $2,500 wired from Western Union.

Salem cautioned others and said to not give out credit cards to friends or family.

Police have charged Zambelli with identity theft and theft. According to police, Zambelli said she had permission to make all those charges.