Fort Pierce, FL – A 63-year-old Fort Pierce woman has been charged following a multistate car wrap scam uncovered by a St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office sting operation.
Details of the Scam
According to law enforcement, Aleda Jaynell Caldwell is accused of participating in a fraudulent scheme that targeted victims across multiple states. The scam involved unsolicited text messages promising cash in exchange for putting advertising decals on vehicles.
“Victims receive unsolicited texts offering cash to wrap their cars in promotional decals,” CBS12 reported.
Participants were instructed to deposit fake checks or money orders and then wire the bulk of the money to a supposed decal installer. When banks identified the deposits as fraudulent, victims suffered significant financial losses.
Arrest and Charges
After executing a search warrant near 1900 Jaynell Street, Caldwell was arrested by the Financial Crimes Unit. Authorities, as per CBS12, allege she was involved in retrieving a suspicious package containing a fraudulent money order.
Caldwell faces multiple charges, including:
- Grand theft
- Money laundering
Officials noted that Caldwell also had active warrants from Georgia for similar offenses.
Law Enforcement Warning
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office reminded residents to exercise caution and report suspicious messages that could be part of similar scams.
“With scams like this on the rise, staying vigilant is key. Never deposit checks or wire money for unsolicited offers,” officials said.
How to Stay Safe
Experts advise the public to:
- Verify offers independently before responding.
- Never send money based on texts or emails from unknown contacts.
- Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement immediately.
Residents are encouraged to share their experiences or tips on avoiding scams in the comments below.
