Hey everyone. Today's case happened on February 1st, 2023. At a bank in Florida, a woman tried to withdraw a large sum of money, but the teller and the officer stationed at the bank immediately noticed something suspicious. What they uncovered turned out to be a bank fraud scheme. >> I'm pretty sure. >> No, I I already explained to her. >> Huh? So, the film lobby, the one that's got pink box, she got this check >> for just under $40,000. >> She deposited it via phone. >> Hey, good morning 73. >> This morning, mind you, this was done on the 30th, right? The 30th or the 31st? >> 30th. >> Okay. So, like 2 days ago. >> Monday. >> Which means the check probably is not going to clear in 2 days, right? So, she goes to two ATMs, deposits or withdraws $1,000 each. She then goes to CMI branch and withdraws $20,000. >> She then comes here and is wanting to clear out the rest of the account, which is equivalent to what? >> 17,000. >> 17,000 and some probably some change. >> Um, they called the bank obviously because of the large amount of money >> to verify whether or not this check is legit. They said no, it's a fraudulent check. They don't have a she is not their client. Um they said they had a a fraud um from their business where whole bunch of checks were stolen or information. >> They don't have a check that starts with that. >> So they information it looks like they Yeah. So she it was good timing cuz as you guys were coming in she was trying to leave. So I kind of explained to her like you know hey don't leave just yet like And Matt said, "Well, I've been here a hot minute." I understand that. But just understand that you're trying to withdraw a large amount of money. And usually people call ahead of time, so they're trying to gather whatever they need. Kind of bought us some time. Um, and told her like, "Hey, just hang out for a few more minutes while I'm trying to figure it out." And I was like, >> I'm here because one, I'm working for the bank, but two, it's a large amount of money, so we just want to ensure that obviously nothing happens. So, >> but yeah, they called, but as you can see, the memo says settlement proceeds, but the top says payroll checking. So, that's kind of what drew their attention. Mark, is this payroll or is this a settlement check? >> But when they called and verified, they're like, "Please, please, this is a fraudulent check. We don't have a check that starts in this in this check sequence." Um, >> that's the business that said that or the bank. So they called they called the business business and they talked to somebody and that's how they found out like hey this check doesn't exist. >> Um it's it's a fraud. So she's she seems pretty calm but I think she's starting to get a little nervous. >> Okay. >> Um >> she was trying to leave. >> The primary will be here in the map. We'll just make sure she doesn't go. >> Yeah. I was literally just typing the ports. >> I didn't know how. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I was actually going to be okay. >> Yeah, I was like, "No, that's my job. That's $13,000. I'm not losing my job." I'm sorry. >> Um, have we contacted the owner of the check and see if they want to prosecute? >> She said that if we do, we can. She gave me her email. She's the manager of the law firm. Um, and she said, "We get a report and everything. We can also forward it to them so they can >> Right. They they want to prosecute." >> Yes. I asked her. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, as long as we have contact information, all that. Yeah, I told you. And I can call her again and get everything sometime. >> Um, we'll get you started on a statement in the meantime just to kind of have what you told us. >> Yeah. >> That way we can get that wrong with her until she gets here and she started right now like surprised that she's still there with the amount of her right now. >> Yeah. trying to leave. So I was like I was like, "Excuse me, miss." I've been here. >> Oh god, there's a whole bunch of you guys. I have another officer in the back waiting for y'all, too. >> Oh yeah, >> you want. Okay, great. Please officer. >> Yeah. >> Do we know who she is? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Hey, what's up? >> So now the question is whether or not still has that 20 grand that she deposit with you from the semi. >> When did she withdraw it? >> Today this morning. >> This morning this morning right here after that and that was another test. Like I said, what if she needed money? She told she going shopping. You don't go shopping with $40,000 in cash. >> I mean I don't I don't even cash $1.91 budget today. more than I have. Yeah, >> that's 50 is what I >> So, I know you just you just went through it if you want. >> I'll tell you. Are you Are you okay? So, >> just in case so >> I don't think she know who she is. We'll >> find her. Female. Yeah, they're big pants. >> Yeah, ma'am. >> We're just detaining. >> We're just detaining you right now. You know, they're us. They're detaining you until we have more information. >> Okay. [Music] This is all your stuff here. I'll >> bring you. >> Are you done with that? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Oh, I'll see. Thank you. [Music] >> I am I hope that's >> She's on the way. So, you're not going to be waiting long. So, I'll be putting in the car though. I see. You're not going to rest. She's on the way now. You're not going to be waiting. I just said I'll tell you where this I'll loosen it up. I'll loosen it up and then I'll put that in there and not get my stuff out of there. >> Out of here? No, not right now. >> I'm pregnant. I got to go to my appointment. We had to leave. >> Yeah, there's nothing. I can't give you anything out of here right now because there's kind of an investigation going. >> They said wait for the detective. I'm not arrest. >> No, not playing with that. >> Well, how long they going to meet this? >> Probably 10 minutes. 10 minutes. >> You're already on the way. So, it's not going to take a long time. >> They just want to talk to you. Said I have not. If they want to get involved, I either you want me to close or you can put the I'll put the AC and everything. >> Oh, you can't leave it open. Can you sit right here? It's a >> Because in that >> it's it's hot. >> It's hot. >> So if when the door is closed, the air conditioner will keep it cool. >> It's hot. >> We can't If you leave the door open, it's just all heat in there. >> Yeah. It's not going to come out. Let me put this here. >> They're just doing doing some checking on some stuff. >> Who's this thing? >> Are you in another car? >> Uhhuh. Are you in another car? >> Me? Yeah, but I got to go to my appointment and >> Okay. >> Got my stuff. >> What does she have of yours that you need for an appointment? >> My paperwork? >> Yeah. For the detective, >> babe. Not matter. I can take a purse or >> No, you can't. You can't take anything right now. >> Cuz all she needed was her car and her phone, right? >> This is her purse. We can't let anything go out of that right now. >> No, it's not hers. That's my purse. >> That's your purse? >> Yeah. That's just her ID and her. >> Why is she carrying your purse? >> Cuz I [ __ ] go in there to open up. But I was waiting. >> Okay. Came out. >> You got to wait. Wait about 10 15 minutes for the detective. >> How much? >> About 10 15 minutes. >> Could be a little bit less. They were on their way and they're just down the street. So >> cuz I got some set. I don't You can That's it. Well, at least we all will be in a good size. >> In just two days, the woman deposited a check worth nearly $40,000 using her mobile phone. Then she withdrew $1,000 each from two ATMs and later went to another branch to take out $20,000. Finally, she came to this bank planning to withdraw the remaining more than $17,000. But when the bank checked, they discovered that the check was completely fake. The law firm clearly stated that they had never issued such a check and the check number did not match at all. As a result, the police immediately rushed over and stopped the woman on the spot. No, we're just going to use the room to talk real quick. She's done with her interview, just so you know. So she g her information to somebody cuz they're trying to do transfers right now. >> The other girl. >> So somebody else has account information. I mean there's like transfer trying >> right now. They're trying they just froze the account. >> Okay. Okay. So, just [Music] Do you mean I'm Detective Jackson? I work with the financial crime. Okay. Um before I speak to you today, I'm just going to read you um because you're detained and by law, we have to read you your constitutional rights. Okay. All right. You have the right to >> I'm sorry. >> Uh, sure. >> Give me a minute. Okay. There was an active trans to see for to see if it was going through. Um, and then another transfer was coming from. All right. Um, okay. I'm going to read you your your rights. You have the right to remain silent. Do you understand? Okay. I need a verbal yes or no. Okay. Awesome. Anything you say may be used against you in court. Do you understand? >> Yes. >> Okay. Have you you have the right to talk to a lawyer before and during questioning. Do you understand? >> Yes. >> Do if you cannot afford a lawyer and want one, will one will be provided for you before questioning without charge. Do you understand? >> Has anyone threatened you or promised you anything to get you to talk to me? No. >> Okay. Um I understand your name is Aisha. Okay. And can you say your date of birth for me, please? All right. So, Miss obviously we're here at Navy Federal Credit Union. >> Um, tell me how did you get involved into this whole scheme? >> I was in a wreck. Someone walked up to me. They seen what happened. They're like, "Oh, we seen what happened. I'm a lawyer and I can help you get um, you know, right conversation cuz if you try to go through the provider, it's going to you're not going to get that much." So, I was like, "Okay, I trust you." um talked about it, went to the the office. I think it was Lipton and um that was it. He didn't seem like anything. And I'm in handcuffs now, so I'm a little worried. How long ago was this? Um about December. Um right before Christmas. Okay. Took a little trip. So from my understanding, you got into a car accident. When was this? The car accident was about right before Christmas. Um, in December. I have to look at my calendar. I'll say at least four or five days before Christmas. And he said he saw it. He's the lawyer. He can help me get paid. >> Did he give you a business card or name? >> Just his name. >> What was his name? >> But not a business card. >> Okay. You remember the name? >> It was like a John. >> John. Okay. And how would you describe Miss 17? >> Very sweet. Um, >> Africanamean. [Music] >> Um, about middle age, dressed real nice. >> Okay. Um, where was this crash take place? >> I don't know the street name. >> Huh? >> I don't know the street name cuz I'm not from there. I'm from North Carolina originally. >> Okay. Do you live here in Florida? >> Mhm. I've been here about 5 years. >> What part? >> Here. Orlando. Right down the street. >> Okay. So, where did where did your crash occur? Maybe not the road, but what city? >> It was in [ __ ] I don't know the city. I just know it was Michigan. I just really don't know the city. I was using ways. >> Okay. Did you have a police report? Okay. What about >> pulled up and was saying that he could get it done, you know, that he saw a verbal witness cuz my lawyer I saw. >> So what happened at the time >> with the accident? >> Mhm. >> I was going straight. Um, God, I really need the streets. Believe me. I was going straight. Um, I had the right away. It was a green light. The car turned and hit me. Um, in my Chevy, it's a 2015 Chevy. It hit me from the left side and I was like, "Oh, my back hurts. My neck hurts." He's like, "That's perfect. That's all we need." And he's going to do all the communication, everything for me. I didn't have to do anything. Like, he made it seem like I was trusting him to get me, you know, finances for my injury. >> And you trusted him? >> I did. >> Did you give him your information? What information did you provide? I gave him he needed my social, my name, my date of birth, my address, and um he asked me if I had a Navy Federal and for the account number, and I I didn't provide that to him. >> Why did he ask you that? >> I thought him as a lawyer, he just needed it. [Music] >> Okay. >> How long you been a member with Navy Federal Credit Union? O since 2019 181 19. >> How many accounts would you say you have? >> Uh two debits and I have a credit a secured credit card and I have a savings. >> Mhm. Okay. What do you do for a living? >> I work at Progressive. I'm a customer service rep. >> Progressive insurance. >> Okay. So you typically know how accidents work. >> I don't do claims. >> You don't do claims? I just um help them get a policy or change coverages and take payments. >> Okay. Okay. >> Um about roughly how much you make there? >> Um I make $21 an hour. >> Mhm. >> About 16 every two weeks. >> 16 17 every two weeks. >> Mhm. >> How long you been with Progressive? >> Uh for a year and some change. Year and a half. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um, so tell me what happened today. Like what what have you been doing today? >> Oh, today I picked up my niece. Um, we were going to get some she had an appointment and she needed to get her We're having a paternity photo shoot Thursday, so we're going to get our eyelashes. And >> is that your niece outside? >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Um, she's due soon. She's 3 cm. Um, yeah. So, we we were already up in kissine. we saw that the amount had cleared and I went ahead and took out 20,000 and then she was like, "Let's do some Tik Tok videos. Um, let's get the rest of the money out so we flashing." So, I came here, which is like really 5 minutes from the house, um, to get the rest out to, you know, flash on camera and then this happened. That was pretty much my day. So, how was this check given to you? >> It was sent in the mail. >> It was sent in the mail. Okay. Did you deposit it into your account? >> Mobile deposit. >> You did the mobile deposit into your account. Okay. Um, so when you received it, when did you receive the check? >> The 30th [Music] about 2 days ago. >> Okay. About 2 days ago. Okay. Do you have any settlement paperwork from the accident? >> Nothing. You just received a check in the mail. Have you been in communication with this guy? >> Not recently. >> See, it just was a leap of faith since December. I haven't heard anything. And then here comes a check in the mail. >> Did you receive any medical treatment for anything from the accident? No. And just you received a check in the mail. You thought that it was legit? >> He looked Yeah. I didn't think anything were wrong with it and then it cleared after being on hold. So, I thought it was okay. Okay. Well, Miss Adams, I'm going to be completely honest with you, okay? I investigate a lot of these cases and I know for sure what you're telling me is not the complete truth. And what I'm doing right now is giving you the opportunity to be truthful. Um, because I believe that you're not the only one involved in this situation. Okay. >> Um, I can give you the facts, but I think you know the facts. >> I see that it looks bad and I just I've never had this happen. I don't have a record. I don't have anything. Like I honestly just rather give it back and then wait for them to say I can take it out. >> Like that's really what I want to do. Just give it back and then wait for them to say it's all clear, which is sounding like it's not clear, but if it I just want to give it back and wait for it to be clear. I didn't realize I didn't know I had to call in and get them to clear the the money to come out or anything like that. I just saw the funds and I was like, "Let's get it out." But I didn't know all of this was going to happen. So, if I could please just give it all back and then wait for them to say that it's clear, I would I would really do that. But this is scary if I'm being honest. Well, if I'm being honest with you, um yeah, all of this is scary and it is um quite suspicious. Okay. Um this look familiar to me? What I'm showing you is a copy of the check that you deposited into your account. Does this look familiar? >> Yeah. My >> You still have the copy of this? Well, >> yes. >> You still have the copy? >> Mhm. I didn't throw it out. Did you look up this law firm? >> I Googled it and it came back. That's what made me trust him too. Come back to >> It just said Lift Law. Like it had a website and like in reviews, but he didn't give you a business card. So, how do you know that there could be 20 L malls around here? >> 2022. I guess too naive and trusting. I'm not I don't have a business card and I do Tik Tok business pretty well. >> Well, I'm going to tell you what really doesn't sound truthful. You meeting someone an accident that did not go reported. Okay. You giving your personal information to someone and then they're asking you if you have a Navy Federal account and then all of a sudden a month later you receive a check in the mail. Settlement checks usually don't go that fast. >> They're not trying to like, you know, hit see. And now that I'm in C, I really feel like, okay, maybe. But at the time, it just it all really seemed like [ __ ] Like I didn't And then once the hole went through, I really didn't think anything of it. Like the hole went through. The bank verified the fund. So I just came in today. >> Yeah. It It's an account, but it's not an account. You're you're not even we call Lon Law. You're not even a customer or a client of them. >> They don't even know me [Music] >> and you have nothing to prove that all my information >> and you have nothing to prove that you been in contact with this guy and you didn't verify anything. >> So, just questions me. Are you being completely honest with me? >> I swear my mom literally passed away two years ago. I wouldn't I wouldn't dare make her turn around in her grave. >> Please, if I can just >> But you work at an insurance company, so you you're familiar with certain things. >> It just when it happens to person, it just doesn't feel like that could happen to you. It doesn't feel like you would be in that spot for that to happen. >> Yeah. But you you have no record of a police report. You don't recall where this accident took place. All these things is just looking is leading back to you. I promise you. >> So my question is who gave you the check cuz I can track that it's been sent to you. >> So my question to you is who gave you the check >> and if you're willing to be honest with me on that. I can bring the check back. I can give the funds back. And >> all that what I want you to tell me is who gave you the check. >> I'm hoping it's delivered to me. >> You did receive it in the mail. >> I have the envelope. >> You have the envelope. What address was it sent to? >> It has my information on it, but it doesn't It was like a plain white envelope with the opening with my information on it. >> But it has no address and it doesn't have where the sender address is. >> No. >> Okay. And that's not how things work. >> So again, I'm going to ask you who gave you the check. It came in the mail. I don't know if you really got me bad. >> Yeah, it looks bad on you. >> Looks very bad on me. I'm not that type of person. I'm really not. He said he was a warrior. I don't know why I trusted that. Like you just been all my information. I'm sitting up in here for the first time ever. >> I mean, you seem like a very nice young lady who doesn't seem to be getting wrapped up into this. My question is >> I wouldn't I knew that it was going to >> Did someone approach you about making money? >> They did approach me about but they saw what happened. They saw an accident. >> Yeah, but you didn't report it to the police. Is your car damaged? Did you report those damages? Why not? >> Cuz you said if you settle, you don't have to do all that. Like that's why you settle. So that person doesn't have to. >> But you have no evidence. There's no report. >> Yeah. There's no evidence. >> There's no report that's generated to prove that he was >> like normal. Like you can do settlements outside of all that and it's okay. Miss Adams, I'm giving you opportunity to tell me who else is involved in this cuz I don't believe you did this all by yourself. I can get from the person. I mean, you can help yourself in this situation. You can tell me who else is involved cuz I know it's not just you. Like I said, I investigate these cases a lot. I know. So it looks suspic I'm a black woman. I got locks in my head. Like it just looks bad. But I swear I did not know that I was going to get >> I can't say that there because I I look just like you. I don't >> I'm telling you from my experience what I have investigated and it's many people from all walks of life. And what I'm trying to convey to you is that this is a part of the whole scheme and we get this all the time. So you can be truthful or you going to take the false charges that it's going to be placed upon you [Music] cuz this check is not a legit check. It's a fraudulent check. >> Did you create the check? Do you know who created the check? I was thinking it was really Linton Law. >> Linton Law from Missouri. >> I really thought it was them. >> Okay. Well, when you went up to the teller, you told him it was for What did you tell him at first that the check was for? >> This teller? He didn't ask me. >> He didn't ask you? >> No. He said they have to check if they have the funds in the manager and went to the back and then they told me to sit down. >> But you went to Cassini. Cassini. >> Can you withdraw the 20,000? Okay. What did you tell the Cassini teller? >> Cuz he asked is it from a car? And I say yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. But the check also say it's payroll. >> I didn't even look at that. >> So you didn't even look at the check? >> No. Cuz I'm thinking bad checks are just going to clear. Like this thing went through. How is it going to think that I'm involved in something bad? Like it went through. It was on hold. I got an email. was confirmed instantly. All of that. >> Does anyone else have access to your account? >> Yeah, he does. Who is he? >> Okay. >> What's his name? The real guy. >> That's his name. >> The real guy who has access to your city to your stuff. Who put you up to this? Please. It's strong. >> Hm. >> It's John Lipton. the real person who put you up there. So, John LinkedIn and created your account. >> That's who met me and >> and he has access to your account. >> How? >> I gave him the information. >> What information did you give him? >> Everything he asked for. >> But he didn't deposit the check into your account. Why? Why would he? He has access to your account. Why would he mail it if he can just deposit it into your account if he has access? That doesn't make sense, does it? >> My account was um closed and two more were open because someone logged into it. So guessing that's why he decided to send the check out. Okay, Miss Adams, this not does not look good for you. I'm trying to get you to kind of help yourself in this situation. We have access to a lot of things and what you're telling me just don't match up. This account that you have, you opened it just a few days ago >> cuz my other one got closed because of the login. Someone logged into my account from a fraud device. >> Did they record it on the phone? And they gave me those two new account. >> Why was it recorded for fraud in that activity? >> The device that signed on to my phone was a fraud device. That's what the lady told me on the phone. She said it was a it was blocked as a fad device. So, they had to close my two accounts down, give me two new account numbers, but kept the same debit cards. >> And what do you use this app for? >> Mostly when I'm doing like promotions, um, stuff like that. >> What do you promote? >> Um, clothes. I do on Tik Tok. Mhm. And when I get paid from that, that goes into that account. That's usually all I use for >> you make pretty good money from that. >> Was that the accounts you were using as you close? That money was going into those accounts. >> Okay. And how long were you doing the promoting for the close? Two years now. Two years. Okay. Is that all you want to say to me today? >> Um, I will get with the officer and then we'll let you know where goes from here. During police questioning, she said that a few months ago, she had a car accident and at that time, she met a man who claimed to be a lawyer. He said he could help her get compensation. She then gave him all her personal information and bank account details. Later, she really did receive this so-called settlement check. Hearing this, do you think it sounds reliable? No accident report, no medical documents, not even a business card from the lawyer. Yet she dared to hand over everything. The police, of course, did not believe her story. In the end, under evidence and pressure, she admitted that there were indeed accompllices behind it. Because she was willing to cooperate with the investigation, she was only sentenced to 5 years of probation and avoided a heavier punishment. One fake check almost completely ruined her life. Was she really deceived, or was she already involved from the start? Do you think she finally told the truth out of fear of going to prison or out of conscience? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.