Close Menu
  • Home
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • THINGS TO DO
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • Contact
Facebook
Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Niceville.com
Niceville.com
Home»FLORIDA NEWS»Arrests made in $280,000 SIM card swap scam in Florida
FLORIDA NEWS

Arrests made in $280,000 SIM card swap scam in Florida

Niceville.comDecember 1, 20242 Mins Read
Arrested man in handcuffs with handcuffed hands behind back, jell cell in background
Man in handcuffs following arrest. (File photo)

FLORIDA — Two men have been charged in a SIM card swap scam that allegedly enabled the theft of nearly $280,000 from a victim’s bank account while the victim was on a flight.

Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.

According to Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit (CFEU), Thomas Simmons conspired with Raymond Ortiz, a Florida cellphone store employee, to execute a SIM card swap, gaining control of the victim’s cellphone. The scheme allowed Mr Simmons to bypass two-factor authentication security measures and transfer funds from the victim’s bank account.

After the theft, Simmons reportedly purchased cashier checks with the stolen money, using them for personal expenses. The victim only discovered the fraud after landing, when the phone failed to resume normal operations.

“These defendants used a SIM card swap scheme to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from an unsuspecting victim who was on a flight—and only noticed that the fraud took place after he was back on the ground,” said Attorney General Moody.

Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.

“Thanks to our Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit and our law enforcement partners, the only thing these SIM swap criminals will be trading is their freedom for time behind bars.”

Authorities arrested Mr Ortiz in Tampa with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Ortiz faces charges of grand theft exceeding $100,000 and criminal use of personal identification information.

Mr Simmons was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in California and will be transported to Florida. He faces charges of grand theft exceeding $100,000 and money laundering. At the time of the alleged offenses, Simmons was already under federal indictment for bank fraud.

Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.

Attorney General Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will handle the case.

The CFEU has warned Floridians about SIM swap scams, which enable fraudsters to gain access to victims’ phones by exploiting vulnerabilities in mobile carrier systems. To protect against SIM swap scams, officials recommend regularly changing passwords, using two-factor authentication apps, setting strong PINs for mobile accounts, and avoiding sharing cellphone numbers publicly. Victims unable to make calls or send texts should contact their mobile carrier immediately.

The CFEU, part of the Florida Attorney General’s Office, works with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes statewide.

Advertisement
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleDOJ and Anna Maria Oyster Bar settle over immigration discrimination claims
Next Article Mass search uncovers weapons, drugs at Suwannee Correctional Institution

Related Posts

4th of July event flyer for Church on Bayshore celebration

Church on Bayshore hosts free July 4th party, Niceville fireworks viewing

July 2, 2025
A rectangular black-and-white sign with bold, capitalized text reading "ROAD CLOSED."

July 4th celebration to close part of Bayshore Drive, Lions Park ramp

July 2, 2025
Two African Spurred Tortoises at Alaqua Animal Refuge resting on wood shavings.

African tortoises find sanctuary at Alaqua after welfare concerns

July 1, 2025
Advertisement
Smiling couple holding Eglin Federal Credit Union Mastercard with promotional rate
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
  • EGLIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
  • EYEWEAR UNLIMITED
  • HAIR EXPRESS
  • MIDBAY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
  • NICEVILLE FARMERS MARKET
  • NICEVILLE INSURANCE AGENCY
  • RUCKEL PROPERTIES, INC.
  • THE WHARF 850
Advertisement
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
Advertisement
The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida
Advertisement
Deer Moss Creek® advertisement by Ruckel Properties, Inc. promoting available homes and lots.

ABOUT NICEVILLE.COM

PRIVACY POLICY

TERMS OF SERVICE

© 2025 Niceville.com. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.