$1.4M Bank Fraud Scheme Unravels in Seattle as NYC Couple Faces Indictment

A New York couple, Amber Towndrow, 35, and Darby Canfield, 34, have been indicted on charges of a nationwide bank fraud scheme that victimized customers across the US, totaling $1.4 million.

Towndrow and Canfield allegedly acquired personal identifying information for numerous victims nationwide, including in Western Washington. They used this information to register businesses with the Washington Secretary of State and opened business bank accounts at financial institutions where the victim already had a personal savings account.

The indictment details how Towndrow set up a business called ‘Smitty Consulting Inc.’ and listed a Colorado victim as a registered owner. She then opened the business bank account using a Seattle address and transferred funds to the business account, using the business debit card to purchase 128 U.S. Postal Service money orders totaling $126,653.

Canfield and other conspirators used various fake IDs to cash the money orders at locations such as Money Tree outlets. Similar conduct was allegedly committed against victims residing in Texas, Colorado, and New York.

Towndrow and Canfield are charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, seven counts of bank fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft, and three counts of money laundering. If convicted, they face up to 30 years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud, 20 years for money laundering, and a mandatory minimum two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence imposed for aggravated identity theft.

The case is being investigated by The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Diplomatic Security Service, and the Seattle Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sean Waite is prosecuting the case.

A person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.