Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Monday a crackdown on scams to protect seniors from fraud, slyly being committed by state prisoners using contraband technology.
“Today, we’re here to announce a situation where we busted a lot of bad guys that have been using technology—cell phones, the internet and cryptocurrency—to scam seniors. Many of these individuals actually are already incarcerated,” Uthmeier said.
Speaking at a press conference in Hillsborough County, Uthmeier added that some scams have exceeded $100,000. Among those joining Uthmeier in his announcement were Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass.
"This is hard-earned retirement that our seniors need. We are going to crack down and ensure that this does not happen ever again. It’s happening across the state,” Uthmeier added.
In his remarks, Uthmeier added working with Dixon to conduct a "massive, wide sweep" of inspections across the state, which he says resulted in the confiscation of "dozens and dozens" of devices.
“It’s getting easier and easier with drones and technology for these things to get smuggled in, but we’re going to be cracking down,” Uthmeier said. “We’re going to be working with him to make sure he’s got the resources he needs to ensure that our prisons are locked down. You are not going to be able to continue criminal activity from prison.”
“And I know there’s a lot of people out there that want us to be more lenient, less tough on crime. I think by now, you know I’m not one of those people. And if this is any indication whatsoever, a lot of these bad guys–they need to stay locked away for a long time,” Uthemeier added.
Chronister described the acts by the incarcerated individuals in three words: despicable, repulsive, and abhorrent. He also warned seniors to keep an eye on financial resources and not automatically trust anyone while giving out banking information.
Specifically, Ivey said seniors in Brevard County have lost $13 million since 2021.
"Our most vulnerable of victims, our most vulnerable of citizens here in our state, have lost $13 million," Ivey said.
While not announced, Uthmeier said charges will be coming soon.
