Woman Arrested With 117 Stolen Credit Cards After Orchestrating ‘Tap-In’ Bank Fraud Scheme on Social Media

Florida police have arrested a Tampa woman who allegedly orchestrated a massive bank fraud scheme.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) alleges Janetcilize Martinez, 24, advertised “tap-in” services, a type of fraud where a scammer uses debit cards to deposit bad checks from account holders who are also in on the scheme.

The scammers then withdraw the funds before the checks show up as fraudulent.

HCSO detectives discovered Martinez through social media posts and served a search warrant at her house in July, discovering 117 credit cards issued to other people.

They also say they found tools and accessories to produce counterfeit credit cards, $6,292 in US currency, 78 grams of marijuana drug paraphernalia and a semi-automatic firearm.

Martinez faces charges of possession of credit card making equipment; unlawful possession of personal identification of another (five or more); fraudulent use of personal information; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of cannabis (more than 20 grams) and possession of cannabis with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver.

Says Sheriff Chad Chronister,

“Theft is not a victimless crime. It affects real people and real businesses. This individual thought she could cash in on a criminal scheme, but now she will pay the price for her actions. If you choose to steal, know that we will catch you and hold you accountable.”

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