A St. Cloud man has been arrested after deputies say he was part of a team that convinced two elderly Orange County women to mail thousands of dollars in cash.
Carlos Cardenas Cordoba, 47, is facing fraud and money laundering charges after an investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit, according to Hoodline.
Authorities said one victim, an 82-year-old woman, mailed $20,000 after scammers falsely claimed there was fraudulent activity tied to her bank account.
In a separate case, deputies said a 72-year-old woman mailed $5,500 after scammers told her the money was needed to “clear her name” because she was facing criminal charges. The sheriff’s office said investigators later recovered the money for both victims.
The Calls Used Two Different Fear Stories
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The two women were allegedly pushed with different versions of the same pressure tactic. One was told her bank account was connected to fraudulent activity, while the other was told she needed to send money because of supposed criminal charges. Both stories gave the victims a reason to act quickly and privately.
Instead of asking for a normal payment, the scammers allegedly told the women to mail cash, a method that can make money harder to trace once it reaches the wrong hands.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Cardenas Cordoba was part of a team that targeted vulnerable seniors over the phone; the public reports do not say he personally made the calls, so the safer wording is that he is accused of participating in the operation.
Deputies Say The Money Was Recovered
The sheriff’s office said its Economic Crimes Unit opened an investigation and uncovered the fraudulent operation. With help from the St. Cloud Police Department, investigators executed a search warrant connected to the case and recovered the money for both victims.
Cardenas Cordoba was later located and arrested in St. Cloud. Hoodline reported that records cited by WESH showed he was taken into custody on an out-of-county warrant.
He Faces Fraud And Money Laundering Charges
Orlando-News.com reported that Cardenas Cordoba is facing charges of scheme to defraud involving $20,000 to $50,000 and money laundering involving $20,000 to $100,000.
The charges remain allegations. Cardenas Cordoba has not been convicted, and prosecutors would have to prove the case in court.
The sheriff’s office used the arrest to warn seniors, relatives, and caregivers to be cautious when someone calls demanding money. Deputies said residents should avoid answering unknown numbers, never send money to someone they have not personally verified, and speak with a trusted family member before making financial decisions involving large sums.
A caller who says cash must be mailed to fix a bank problem or clear criminal charges is creating pressure, not a legitimate process.