Robert Shon Jackson, Fraud Conspiracy, Pennsylvania 2021

A brazen scam has been brought to justice in the Steel City, as Robert Shon Jackson, a 45-year-old Pittsburgh resident, pleaded guilty to a charge of fraud conspiracy in federal court. The case, which spans nearly a decade, has left a trail of financial devastation in its wake.

According to court documents, Jackson participated in a Nigerian ‘mystery shopper’ fraud scheme between June 2013 and October 31, 2013. Under this scheme, victims were recruited to evaluate products and services anonymously, only to be duped into depositing counterfeit US Postal Service money orders and checks. These instruments were later returned to the bank, and the victims were left to bear the financial losses, including additional fees.

The court was advised that Jackson received bulk shipments of counterfeit USPS money orders, totaling 1,820 instruments valued at approximately $1,787,771.40. He also received mailing labels with the names and addresses of victims to whom he was to send the counterfeit instruments. Jackson would then mail these instruments to the victims along with instructions directing them to check their email accounts for additional instructions.

The victims would be emailed instructions to wire funds to Jackson, his wife, and other accomplices. Jackson would then receive these funds by wire, before sending a portion of the proceeds to co-conspirators in Nigeria. He kept a portion of the funds as his payment, leaving the victims with significant financial losses.

The losses associated with Jackson’s offense totaled $28,461.00. He now faces a maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Judge Mark R. Hornak scheduled sentencing for July 14, 2021.

The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. It is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in the face of financial scams.

Robert Shon Jackson, 45, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud conspiracy.

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