When 74‑year‑old Noel received a text that appeared to be from Wells Fargo, she could not have imagined the ordeal that would follow. The message claimed she had just sent $1,600 via Zelle and asked her to reply ‘Y’ for yes or ‘N’ for no. After she replied ‘N,’ her phone rang, displaying a Wells Fargo caller ID. The voice on the line, speaking with a foreign accent, instructed her to withdraw cash from her bank and place it in a taped box.
Scam instructions and fear tactics
The caller warned Noel that she was under investigation and urged her not to speak to anyone. He told her to keep the cash safe, tape the package, and deliver it to a man at a shopping plaza off Ocean Shore Boulevard near Ormond Beach. The man, deputies later learned, was an Uber courier.
Noel’s quick thinking saved the day. She noted the Uber driver’s tag number, called the police, and provided the information to Volusia County Sheriff’s Office investigators.
Deputies track the scheme
Using the Uber driver’s testimony, surveillance video from a nearby business park and a license‑plate read, deputies identified a suspect: 25‑year‑old Amoye Jameison. Jameison was arrested on charges of grand theft and organized scheme to defraud, and was also cited for driving without a license.
During questioning, Jameison admitted she was instructed to take the $8,000, keep $1,200 for herself and Zelle the remainder to another participant in the scheme. She claimed to have carried out similar scams about ten times.
Recovery of the stolen cash
When Jameison was taken into custody, deputies found the cash still in her possession. Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Noel should receive her money back soon.
Chitwood reminded the public that no legitimate financial institution will ever ask a customer to withdraw cash, and no law‑enforcement agency will demand payment for a warrant, missed jury duty, or any other alleged debt. His advice: do not answer calls from unknown numbers, and if you do answer, verify the caller’s identity before taking any action.
Immigration consequences
Jameison, a Jamaican national, is also facing an immigration detainer because she overstayed her visa. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a hold on her while the criminal case proceeds.
The case underscores the importance of vigilance against phone and text scams that prey on seniors and other vulnerable residents. By staying calm, documenting details and involving law enforcement promptly, victims can help stop fraudsters and protect their communities.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
