ATM PREDATOR CHARGED BY FRAUD SQUAD FOR TARGETING THE ELDERLY
Detectives assigned to the Fraud Squad and the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FFCID), within the Specialised Investigation Branch (SIB), have charged a 34-year-old man with a card-switching scheme targeting elderly citizens across the parishes of Kingston and St. Catherine.
He is Sean Williams of no fixed address.
He was formally charged on Friday, February 20, with Unauthorised Access to Computer Data, Simple Larceny and Possession of Identity Information.
Reports are that Williams frequented Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), looking for elderly individuals who appeared to be experiencing technical difficulties. He would then approach them under the guise of providing assistance, switch the victim’s bank card for a dummy card and steal funds from their ATM cards until they were depleted, with one victim losing more than JMD 300,000.
Williams was apprehended in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, through a joint effort between FFCID detectives and the St. Catherine North Police.
Head of the SIB, Senior Superintendent of Police Christopher Brown, lauded the police’s efforts in apprehending Williams.
“We commend the collaborative effort that led to the apprehension of Williams, who was targeting our elderly community. This exploitation is unacceptable. We are extremely grateful for the use of advanced techniques and partnerships that made this arrest possible. The SIB remains committed to protecting Jamaica’s vulnerable populations,” said SSP Brown.
Williams’ court date is being finalised.
Meanwhile, the police are urging citizens to be vigilant, especially regarding elderly relatives, when transacting business or using ATMs. If you or someone you know has been a victim, please contact the SIB at 876-967-1389, the police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.
