Florida Scammer Jailed 6.5 Years for Preying on Michigan Seniors

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Mark Totten today announced that Jorrel Tyler Jackson, 31, of Seffner, Florida, was sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison for his role in an international fraud conspiracy that targeted senior citizens in several states, including Michigan.

Jackson was found responsible for causing $1,584,077 in loss to 22 victims of the conspiracy, and was ordered to pay restitution in that amount. The scheme, which began with scam messages on victims’ computers, resulted in one West Michigan victim losing $398,000. According to court records, Jackson’s role in the conspiracy was to meet with victims and collect packages of money from them, which he then passed on to higher-level members of the conspiracy.

“Crimes that exploit seniors can be devastating, depriving victims of their savings, their independence, and their dignity,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office will vigorously pursue criminals who target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens in Michigan.”

Jackson was one of seven defendants charged last year with participating in the fraud scheme. The scam involved fake tech company representatives, claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple, who convinced victims to give money to the conspiracy. Victims were also told their bank accounts had been compromised and they needed to withdraw all their cash and give it to fake “federal agents” for safekeeping.

“Fraudsters are targeting our senior community at an alarming rate nationwide. Criminals continue to take advantage of their trusting nature and generosity,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI in Michigan. “We must empower our seniors with knowledge about elder fraud and its various forms to protect them from this intolerable manipulation.”

U.S. Attorney Totten shared safety tips to help prevent becoming a victim: “To protect yourself, never click on unsolicited pop-ups, links sent by text message or email, don’t download software at the request of someone you don’t know, and always remember that the government and law enforcement will never call and ask you for money.”

The Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative website provides more information on preventing elder fraud and help for victims. The FBI Elder Fraud website also offers several resources, including tips to help seniors protect themselves from elder fraud.

For more information, contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) or file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.