A woman was recently arrested after an online bank fraud scheme in Central Florida.
An investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Section led to the arrest of a Tampa woman involved in an ATM tap-in fraud scheme.
HCSO received a tip identifying 24-year-old Janetcilize Martinez as the organizer of a social media-based bank fraud operation.
Martinez was publicly advertising “tap-in” services, which is a type of fraud involving the use of legitimate debit cards from willing account holders to deposit fraudulent/counterfeit checks. The funds are immediately withdrawn at an ATM before the check returns as fraudulent.
Detectives observed several public social media posts from Martinez soliciting individuals with various bank accounts. She also shared images of withdrawal receipts with large amounts of money, and tools commonly associated with the production of counterfeit financial instruments.
Local detectives served a court-authorized search warrant at her residence 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
HCSO said Martinez was taken into custody and faced charges of: Possession of Credit Card Making Equipment, Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification of Another (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.
“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.”
This is an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
