Cybercrime task force dismantles six schemes targeting seniors, businesses

FLORIDA — Florida’s Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, led by Attorney General Ashley Moody, has reportedly dismantled six cyber schemes in the past three months.

The schemes, which targeted seniors and businesses, were said to have defrauded victims of millions of dollars through identity theft, scams, and fraudulent websites.

AG Moody’s Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit (CFEU) collaborated with law enforcement agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, to investigate and prosecute the alleged crimes. Three of the schemes reportedly targeted older Floridians, while others involved the theft of identities and company information, resulting in financial losses.

“Our Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit works hard to track down cybercriminals seeking to exploit Floridians, especially our seniors,” said Ms Moody.

“As technology evolves, so do the tactics of scammers, but my office is constantly working to protect Floridians and hold these cybercriminals accountable.”

In the cases targeting Florida seniors, Tamer Elia, an employee of Fifth Third Bank, was said to have stolen the identities and banking details of 13 individuals to drain their accounts.

Jose Batista allegedly carried out a grandparent scam by impersonating a grandchild in distress, reportedly defrauding seniors under the pretense of needing bail money.

Another scheme involved a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading website that reportedly misled victims into depositing funds, which were then stolen.

Other cases involved identity thieves targeting Floridians and businesses.

Jamie Bain allegedly stole a university student’s identity to secure a $12,000 loan and attempted to purchase a fishing boat. Zachary Jones was accused of stealing an identity to buy a car, later selling it for cash and falsely reporting it stolen.

Donald Johnson allegedly rerouted the mail of Florida companies to his own address, stealing nearly $140,000 in checks and refunds.

Over the course of 2024, the CFEU reportedly seized nearly $2.4 million in stolen cryptocurrency funds, returning more than $100,000 to victims.

Resources on avoiding cyber scams, available in English and Spanish, can be accessed through the Attorney General’s website by clicking here.

The public is encouraged to report cyber scams to local law enforcement or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.