What started as a simple pitch to clean a driveway turned into a rolling bank tour, according to investigators in Clay County.
Police say a 17-year-old from Jacksonville is facing exploitation charges after offering to clean the driveway of a 79-year-old Middleburg man, then driving him to multiple banks where the man withdrew thousands of dollars in cash. Officers were called Wednesday afternoon after bank staff spotted what they considered suspicious activity tied to a white GMC Sierra. The truck was stopped, the teen was detained and detectives began untangling a string of cash withdrawals. Family members later told officers the victim, identified only as Don, had been forgetful and was scheduled for a medical evaluation.
Police: Multiple Withdrawals at VyStar Branches
According to News4JAX, police reports say the money trail began around 2 p.m. at a VyStar Credit Union on 8425 Merchants Way, where staff reported Don withdrew $13,000 in cash. The report states Don had already made two earlier withdrawals of $5,000 each at separate VyStar locations on Blanding Boulevard and told employees he was taking out the money so his driveway could be sprayed.
Officers traced the white GMC Sierra, stopped it and removed the 17-year-old driver, according to the report. Police say they were able to return $10,000 to Don while the teen now faces an exploitation charge tied to the elderly man, along with two additional counts related to what investigators say was a suspended South Carolina driving permit.
Banks, Regulators Push Staff To Spot Red Flags
VyStar tells members on its fraud protection page that it will not call and ask for one-time passcodes or online banking credentials and urges account holders to double-check any unexpected requests before withdrawing or handing over cash. The credit union also advises customers to be wary of anyone pressuring them to move money quickly.
A recent interagency statement posted by the Federal Reserve urges financial institutions to train front-line staff to recognize possible elder financial exploitation. The guidance encourages banks and credit unions to coordinate with Adult Protective Services and law enforcement when transactions appear suspicious, particularly when older customers show signs of confusion or are accompanied by someone directing their financial decisions.
Family Says Victim Struggled With His Memory
Don’s daughter told officers her father had been forgetful and was “having trouble of late processing information,” according to News4JAX. She said she planned to take him for a medical evaluation.
The same report notes the teen not only faces the exploitation charge but also two counts related to a suspended South Carolina driving permit. He was taken to the pretrial detention facility without incident.
How To Report Suspected Elder Financial Exploitation
If you suspect someone is being financially exploited and they are in immediate danger, call 911. In Florida, you can report concerns by calling the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 or by filing an online report with the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Guidance from the Federal Reserve also recommends referring potential victims to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311. Financial institutions are urged to file suspicious activity reports when they spot possible exploitation so investigators have a better chance of tracking the money and trying to recover funds.
