A woman was recently taken into custody after an online bank fraud scheme in Central Florida.
An investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Section resulted in the arrest of a Tampa woman involved in an ATM tap-in fraud scheme.
Related posts
HCSO received a tip identifying 24-year-old Janetcilize Martinez as the organizer of a social media-based bank fraud scheme.
Martinez was publicly advertising “tap-in” services, which are a sort of fraud in which legal debit cards are used by willing account users to deposit fraudulent/counterfeit checks. They promptly withdraw the funds from an ATM before returning the fake check.
Detectives discovered multiple public social media posts from Martinez courting people with various bank accounts. She also shared images of large-amount withdrawal receipts and items routinely used in the manufacture of counterfeit financial instruments.
Local officers issued a court-authorized search warrant at her home in Tampa, which revealed:
- 117 credit cards bearing the identity of others
- Tools and accessories to produce counterfeit credit cards
- Multiple bank documents containing personal information
- $6,292 in U.S. currency
- 78 grams of marijuana
- Drug Paraphernalia
- A semi-automatic firearm
Martinez was arrested and charged with possession of credit card making equipment, unlawful possession of another person’s personal identification (5 or more), fraudulent use of personal information, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of cannabis (more than 20 grams), and possession of cannabis with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, according to HCSO.
“Theft is not a victimless crime. It affects real people and real businesses,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This individual thought she could cash in on a criminal scheme, but now she will pay the price for her actions. If you choose to steal, know that we will catch you and hold you accountable.”
Local law enforcement reports that this is an ongoing inquiry.
