A Florida woman faces charges of scheme to defraud, felony use of a two-way communication device, and fraudulent use of a credit or debit card after allegedly scamming a senior citizen. Moniquie Love Turnbull, 31, was arrested by Martin County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) deputies on Monday.
According to the MCSO, Turnbull approached a senior citizen's home, claiming to be a bank representative investigating a compromised account. She allegedly attempted to obtain the victim's debit or credit card under the pretense of securing it.
The alleged victim grew suspicious and contacted law enforcement. While deputies investigated, they received information linking Turnbull to a similar case. Deputies located Turnbull driving near Interstate 95 and arrested her during a traffic stop captured on MCSO bodycam video.
Upon her arrival at the corrections facility, authorities reported finding $3,200 in cash concealed within Turnbull's body. The MCSO stated that the money was accounted for and secured as evidence, noting it would eventually be returned to public circulation.
Turnbull faces an additional charge of introduction of contraband into a corrections facility. Her bond was set at $500,000.
The MCSO issued a warning to the public, advising residents not to surrender credit cards, cash, gold, or other valuables to individuals who unexpectedly appear at their homes claiming to represent banks, financial institutions, government agencies, or other organizations. Authorities recommend that anyone encountering such a situation should not allow the person inside or hand over any valuables and should instead contact 911 immediately.