A Cuban resident in Miami was arrested this Monday after scamming an elderly couple out of thousands of dollars, and being involved in multiple fraud incidents in Florida and North Carolina, according to police reports. Agustín García Marsán, 38, faces charges including organized scheme to defraud, elder theft, fraudulent use of identification information, communications fraud, and illegal use of a communication device, according to Miami-Dade County jail records.
According to a report by NBC Miami, on July 3, the victims, aged 87 and 82, received a call from a man pretending to be their grandson, claiming he had been in a car accident. The individual said he had been arrested for texting while driving and asked them to contact a lawyer to help him get out of jail.
The elderly man called the supposed lawyer, who requested $18,500 in cash for the "grandson's" bail, to be delivered the same day as the next day was a holiday, the Fourth of July, and the courts would be closed. After gathering the money, a Lyft driver picked up the package as instructed.
It wasn't until later that the grandfather discovered the scam when he called his grandson, who assured him he was fine and had not been in any accident. The victim reported the incident to the police, and an investigation was initiated immediately. Surveillance videos confirmed that the Lyft driver went to a shopping center where he handed the package to a man identified as García Marsán, according to the police report.
Authorities found that the Cuban national had been involved in multiple fraud incidents in Florida and North Carolina, using the same method: ride-sharing services and meetings with drivers at shopping centers. During the investigation, detectives obtained information from Lyft and discovered that García Marsán used accounts with fake names, emails, and disposable phone numbers to operate. However, he used his Florida driver's license, a photo of himself, and a credit card linked to his address.
This Monday, he was finally located and arrested. The so-called "grandparent scam" has become a common fraud method in recent years in the U.S. Those involved in this type of crime research elderly victims, their family ties, and other relevant information before proceeding with the scam. Many Cubans residing in Florida and other states have been arrested for defrauding senior citizens.
Understanding the Grandparent Scam
This section aims to address common questions regarding the grandparent scam and provide useful information to prevent becoming a victim.
What is a grandparent scam?
A grandparent scam is a type of fraud where scammers impersonate a victim's grandchild or another relative in distress to trick them into sending money.
How can you protect yourself from a grandparent scam?
To protect yourself, always verify the identity of the caller by contacting the supposed relative directly through a known phone number. Never send money without confirming the situation with other family members.
What should you do if you suspect you're a victim of a grandparent scam?
If you suspect you're a victim, contact your local police department immediately and report the incident. Inform your bank and credit card companies if you have shared any financial information.