Florida prisoners used smuggled cellphones to scam seniors, officials say: ‘Despicable'
The Brief
Investigators seized dozens of cellphones from three prisons during Operation Triple Threat, according to law enforcement officials.
Formal charges have not been brought yet, according to officials, but there are multiple known cases of seniors losing large amounts of money in scams.
At a news conference in Tampa, officials urged seniors and their caretakers to always be on alert for any contact from strangers.
TAMPA, Fla. - State and local law enforcement officials say detectives seized dozens of cellphones from Florida prisons, including devices used by inmates to scam seniors statewide.
The backstory
At a news conference in Tampa on Monday, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said Operation Triple Threat focused on three state prisons with a combined population of about 3,000 inmates.
Officials said investigators confiscated about 40 phones, adding that some inmates were using technology – including cryptocurrency – while convincing seniors to either purchase services, pay a fine for missing jury duty or to cover toll violations, or enter into relationships.
Uthmeier said the exact number of suspects facing charges is not known yet as formal charges have not been brought against them, but there are at least three known cases of seniors losing money.
READ: 13-year-old girl rescued from Tampa motel: 'This child was lured'
What they're saying
"These guys are getting more sophisticated," Uthmeier said as he urged everyone to remain cautious when receiving phone calls or text messages from unknown numbers.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister highlighted one case in which a 92-year-old man lost more than $800,000 over a two-year period.
"Despicable, repulsive, abhorrent are just a few words I can use to describe those individuals who target and prey on our seniors," Chronister said.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey also spoke during Monday's news conference, saying that while technology has created new challenges for law enforcement, detectives are working hard to stay ahead of the curve.
"If you're going to do this type of activity, I highly recommend you do it somewhere other than the state of Florida," Ivey said.
What's next
Officials said Monday that they hope to release more specific details soon, including the number of suspects and victims, along with formal criminal charges.
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The Source
This story was written with information from a news conference in Tampa, Florida, on June 2, 2025.
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