TAMPA, FL – In a troubling revelation, Florida’s attorney general has disclosed that prison inmates have orchestrated a scheme to defraud senior citizens of their life savings, with one victim losing nearly a million dollars. This revelation is part of “Operation Triple Threat,” a crackdown that has exposed the vulnerability of seniors to such scams.
Authorities have seized dozens of cell phones from inmates in Florida prisons, devices that were allegedly used to execute these fraudulent activities. In Hillsborough County, one of the most egregious cases involves Otis Swinton Jr., who is accused of deceiving a 92-year-old man from Sun City Center. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister has described Swinton’s actions in harsh terms, labeling them as “despicable” and “repulsive.”
Investigators report that Swinton posed as a romantic interest, convincing his elderly victim to transfer large sums from his retirement account over a two-year period. Shockingly, Swinton conducted some of these scams using a contraband cell phone while incarcerated for previous similar offenses.
Technology has enabled inmates like Swinton to exploit the most vulnerable members of society, prompting a broader investigation into such activities. In Brevard County, another inmate is accused of swindling a senior out of approximately $200,000. These incidents have led state investigators to intensify their efforts under “Operation Triple Threat,” targeting three prison facilities and confiscating nearly 40 cell phones suspected to be used in scams.
The inmates employed various tactics to deceive their victims, including selling fictitious services and threatening legal action for missed jury duty. Victims were sometimes coerced into using cryptocurrency and peer-to-peer transfer services to send money. Authorities hope these arrests will deter other inmates from engaging in similar activities.
The total financial loss from just these two cases exceeds a million dollars, and investigators believe more cases will surface as the probe continues. In response, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, advising against sharing personal financial information with unknown parties or agencies.
As the investigation unfolds, officials stress the importance of reporting suspicious activities to local authorities. The incidents underscore the need for increased awareness and protective measures to shield seniors from such predatory schemes.