A slick bank check scam in the Garden State has landed Essex County man Isiah J. Jordan, 27, behind bars. The Essex County resident is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud after allegedly swiping checks from the mail and depositing them into accounts controlled by his crew.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jordan and his co-conspirators went to great lengths to pull off the scam. They targeted businesses and altered checks to make it look like the money was going to them. In one instance, Company-1 mailed out a $50,000 business check in June 2023, which was stolen and altered by Jordan and his crew. They deposited the check into an account controlled by the conspirators, who then withdrew the cash and split the loot.
The bank fraud scheme continued until July 2023, when Jordan and his crew recruited more members to join the scam. They targeted individuals with long-standing bank accounts, recruiting them to deposit the stolen checks and withdraw the cash before the bank or the victims were even aware of the scam.
Jordan’s scheme is a classic example of bank check scams, which are notoriously difficult to detect. The scammers use altered checks to make it look like the money is going to them, and then quickly withdraw the cash before anyone realizes the check has been tampered with.
The charges against Jordan carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba credited the FBI and New Jersey State Police with cracking the case.
Jordan made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre and was released on a $100,000 bond. His defense counsel is John Yauch of New Jersey. The charges against Jordan are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify any other individuals involved in the scam. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant when it comes to mail and financial transactions.
Related Federal Cases
- Eaford, Moses Admit Prison Tax Scam in Essex County · New Jersey
- Essex Duo Accused of $500K Bank Fraud · New Jersey
- Coloring Scam: Medicare Ripped Off · Pennsylvania
- Art Fraud: $200K Medicare Scam · Pennsylvania
- Artful Dodge: Medicare Scam Unravels · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
