Florida Couple Caught Using Senior’s Stolen Credit Cards For a Shopping Spree
A Coral Springs, Florida, couple was arrested on September 17 for using a senior citizen’s credit cards and spending nearly $2,000, according to the Coral Springs Police Department.
Last month, a 65-year-old woman contacted officials because her business card was “compromised,” saying that someone had used it 26 times. When officials arrived on scene, she showed them the seven successful transactions that equaled $1,894.95.
The suspects, Juan Dominguez and Yamika Poulard, allegedly spent $283 at Zumiez and took Poulard’s middle school-aged daughter to Kohl’s to buy $501.50 worth of clothing.
Additionally, the couple withdrew $380 from an ATM at 7-Eleven. Dominguez and Poulard further used $581 to pay a water bill, and spent unspecified amounts of money at a T-Mobile and a Caribbean dine-in.
Charges and Arrest
The suspects were captured on the store’s security cameras, which led to their identification and arrest.
For their crime, both Dominguez and Poulard were arrested on Sep. 17 and taken to Broward County Jail.
The couple was charged with credit card fraud, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, grand theft from an individual aged 65 or older, and an organized scheme to defraud.
Their bond information has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Potential Sentences
In Florida, if someone is found guilty of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, they face up to 12 months in jail, up to a year of probation, and may be ordered to pay fines of up to $1,000, according to Florida statutes.
Credit card fraud can carry harsher consequences in the state, according to the Florida-based Kirlew Law Firm.
“If, during a six-month time frame, the fraudulent credit card use occurred more than two times or the goods, services, or money obtained is valued at more than $100, then this will be considered a Felony Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card,” a blog by the firm details.
This class of fraudulent use is a third-degree felony, and could land convicted suspects in prison for up to five years. They may also face up to five years of probation and fines of $5,000.
The same potential sentence also applies to grand theft from an individual aged 65 or older, and an organized scheme to defraud.
Financial Exploitation of Senior Citizens
The American Bankers Association reports that financial exploitation, or unauthorized use of one’s assets, funds, or property, is the “fastest-growing” type of senior abuse.
To protect yourself or a loved one from financial exploitation, the organization recommends regularly checking your credit report and reporting any suspicious activity.
The association further advises consulting with financial advisors, never rushing into money decisions, becoming familiar with your banker, and similar cautions.
