Police charged alleged scam artist targeting elderly at ATMs

The police have charged a man who allegedly targeted elderly citizens using automated teller machines (ATMs), stealing their bank cards and draining their accounts.

Charged with unauthorised access to computer data, simple larceny, and possession of identity information is 34-year-old Sean Williams.

According to the police, Williams frequented ATMs in Kingston and St Catherine, looking for elderly individuals who appeared to be experiencing difficulties at the machines.

The police say he would then approach them under the guise of providing assistance, switch their bank cards with a dummy card, and steal funds until their accounts were depleted, with one victim losing more than $300,000.

Williams was apprehended in Spanish Town, St Catherine, on Thursday, February 19, during an operation involving personnel from the Fraud Squad and the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FFCID), within the Specialised Investigations Branch (SIB), as well as the St Catherine North police.

He was charged on Friday, February 20. His court date is being finalised.

The police are urging citizens to be vigilant, especially regarding elderly relatives, when conducting business or using ATMs.

If you or someone you know has been a victim, please contact the SIB at 876-967-1389, the police 119 emergency number, or the nearest police station.

“We commend the collaborative effort that led to the apprehension of Williams, who was targeting our elderly community. This exploitation is unacceptable. We are extremely grateful for the use of advanced techniques and partnerships that made this arrest possible. The SIB remains committed to protecting Jamaica’s vulnerable populations,” said head of the SIB, Senior Superintendent Christopher Brown.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.