A 20-year-old Coral Springs man is behind bars in Broward County after Monroe County detectives say he pulled off a high-pressure phone scam that cleaned out a Big Pine Key couple for more than $70,000 in cash and jewelry.
Investigators say the man used a phony bank-investigator routine over the phone, then had the victims hand over money and valuables to rideshare drivers who thought they were just picking up routine fares. A multi-agency probe eventually connected the Florida Keys complaint to similar cases in other states, according to deputies.
As reported by Tampa Free Press, the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Marqus Devon Braddy, faces multiple theft-related counts. He was also arrested on separate Broward County charges for possession of fentanyl and unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon. Law enforcement told Tampa Free Press that Braddy is likely to face additional charges in Maryland as investigators compare notes with authorities there.
How The Scam Worked
Monroe County detectives told Tampa Free Press that Braddy claimed over the phone to be an investigator for a major national bank. In April 2026, he allegedly talked the first victim into withdrawing a large amount of cash, then handing it to a rideshare driver who showed up at their home.
Days later, detectives say, he tried the same pitch on the victim’s wife. This time, she reportedly loaded cash and jewelry into a different rideshare vehicle. By the time the couple realized something was wrong and contacted authorities, investigators estimate they were out about $42,000 in cash and roughly $30,000 in jewelry.
Investigation And Court Filings
Court records show a Broward County asset forfeiture filing that names Marqus Devon Braddy Jr. was entered on April 27, 2026. Prosecutors used that filing, along with other investigative material, to help support arrest warrants.
According to Trellis, those records helped lead to Braddy’s July 15 arrest in Broward County. The case is still active as Monroe County investigators coordinate with partners in other states to see how many complaints might be linked.
What To Watch For
The Federal Trade Commission warns that imposter scams that demand cash withdrawals or courier handoffs remain a common tactic. The agency advises hanging up immediately, then calling your bank using a verified phone number from your card or a statement instead of any number a caller gives you. Suspicious contacts can be reported to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you believe you or someone you know has been targeted, the FTC recommends saving call logs, bank receipts and any texts, emails or voicemails. Victims should share that information with local law enforcement so it can be used by investigators.
Next Steps
Prosecutors in Broward County will review the evidence and decide which state charges to pursue first. Maryland authorities may file related counts if their side of the investigation turns up enough supporting proof.
Detectives in Monroe County are asking victims, neighbors and anyone who may have information about similar schemes to contact their office. They also urge residents to flag suspected scams to the FTC so investigators can connect cases across jurisdictions and spot patterns more quickly.
