BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A Port St. Lucie man is accused of posing as a courier in a sophisticated scam that tricked an elderly Boynton Beach woman out of more than $44,000.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said its deputies arrested Jefferson Paul, 31, on June 1 on charges of organized scheme to defraud and grand theft involving a victim over the age of 65.
Investigators say the case began in early October 2025 when a 73-year-old woman noticed a $450 charge on her bank account that she did not recognize. Believing it was connected to antivirus software, she searched online for customer support and called a number she believed was legitimate.
Instead, deputies said, the victim was connected to a scammer who convinced her to grant remote access to her computer. During the interaction, her screen went black, and the caller manipulated the transaction to make it appear as if she had received a $45,000 refund instead of $450.
The caller then told her she needed to return the money immediately, according to investigators.
Following the instructions, the elderly victim withdrew $30,000 in cash from a Chase Bank in Delray Beach on October 2. Despite bank employees questioning the large withdrawal and warning her she may be a victim of fraud, she told them the money was for her daughter, the report states.
Later that day, the victim met a man near the entrance of her gated community and handed over the cash after providing a code given to her by the caller. Deputies said the money was wrapped in a bag and placed into a vehicle before the suspect drove away.
The scam continued the next day.
Authorities said the victims withdrew an additional $14,400 from a different bank after being directed by the same caller, who remained on the phone with her throughout the process. She again handed over the money to the same courier at the same location.
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The scheme came to light when the victim’s daughter learned about the transactions and recognized the situation as a scam. The family then contacted law enforcement.
Detectives reviewed surveillance video from the community and identified a silver Nissan Rogue seen near the entrance around the time of the exchanges. A records check revealed the vehicle had been rented during the relevant time frame.
Investigators traced the rental to Paul and determined he had possession of the vehicle from late September through early October, overlapping with the dates the money was collected.
Both the victim and her husband later participated in a photo lineup and identified Paul as the courier, deputies said.
In total, authorities estimate the victim lost about $44,400.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said its deputies arrested Jefferson Paul, 31, on June 1 on charges of organized scheme to defraud and grand theft involving a victim over the age of 65. (PBC Jail)
Officials say the case is part of a growing trend of tech support scams targeting older adults, in which victims are manipulated into believing they owe money and are pressured to act quickly.
The sheriff’s office is reminding residents to verify customer service numbers through official websites, avoid granting remote access to unknown individuals, and speak with family members or bank employees if something seems suspicious.