CAPE CORAL, FL – Nicole Sprague, 38, of Cape Coral, Florida, is headed to federal prison for nearly three years after being convicted of defrauding vulnerable elderly citizens. U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber sentenced Sprague to two years and nine months for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud, a scheme that preyed on the fears of seniors regarding their computer security.
The scam, operating between January 2018 and April 2019, involved posing as legitimate tech support personnel. Sprague and her co-conspirators, some operating from overseas, convinced victims they needed costly computer repairs or security software. Once a payment was secured, they gained remote access to victims’ computers, not to fix any problems, but to steal personal and financial information.
The scheme didn’t stop at the initial fraudulent charge. Conspirators then offered victims “refunds,” luring them into granting further computer access. Under the guise of depositing the refund, they’d manipulate account displays to *appear* as though large sums were being credited, then instruct victims to wire the “overpayment” back to Sprague via mail and parcel delivery. The refunds and overpayments were, of course, entirely fabricated. The conspirators transferred funds from victim’s savings accounts to checking accounts to further the illusion of a valid refund.
Sprague served as a key money launderer, establishing numerous bank accounts and post office boxes in Cape Coral to funnel the stolen funds. She routinely deposited the victims’ money – totaling at least $250,000, which she kept for herself – and then wired a portion to her accomplices internationally. The court ordered Sprague to pay restitution of $297,900 to the victims and forfeit another $250,000 representing the proceeds of the fraud.
The United States Secret Service led the investigation, with the case prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava. The agency confirmed that combating elder abuse and financial fraud targeting seniors remains a top priority for the Department of Justice. This sentencing should serve as a warning: exploiting vulnerable seniors for financial gain will be met with federal prosecution.
Victims, after sending repayment, quickly discovered the scheme. The illusion of funds deposited was just that – an illusion. Sprague pleaded guilty on May 24, 2022, and now faces the consequences of her actions. This case highlights the increasing sophistication of tech support scams and the devastating impact they have on elderly Americans.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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