13 Accused of Telemarketing Fraud in South Florida

September 27, 2016

Thirteen people, mostly from South Florida, are facing federal charges of mail fraud and conspiracy for allegedly defrauding approximately $23 million from investors – mostly seniors – around the nation.

According to investigators, two linked telemarketing frauds, based in Miami Lakes and Marina Del Rey, Calif., touted stocks for Sanomedics Inc. and Fun Cool Free stocks between 2009 and 2015.

The telemarketers claimed to be selling profitable shares in companies that provided thermometers for humans and dogs and games for smartphones, according to authorities.

Five of the 13 arrested were also charged with wire fraud.

Due to the increase in telephone scams over the past few years, the federal government along with state authorities have been cracking down on any suspected telemarketing fraud schemes. If you or your company is under investigation for fraud or you are facing criminal charges, it is best to seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

Telemarketing fraud can involve many actions or schemes, such as:

• Convincing someone to pay a fee to obtain a credit card or to restore credit – also known as advanced fee scams.
• Telling a person you will enter their name into a lottery for a prize to obtain the person’s personal information for fraudulent purposes.
• Bullying or pressuring the person to act quickly and send a payment.
• Promising a product or service and never following through.
• Promising the person will make a lot of money working from home and other get-rich-quick schemes – also known as a pyramid scheme.
• Selling fake timeshares.
• Tricking a person into making a wire transfer.

If you or someone you care for has been charged with fraud, our South Florida Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help. Call us today at 561-367-8777 or contact us online for a free consultation.