Maria Lebron has a warning.
“What she’s saying is, ‘learn from my mistakes. Do not get in anybody’s car with a stranger promising whatever amount of money,'” the Tampa woman said through a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detective, who translated.
The scammers approached Lebron in the parking lot of a Fresco supermarket, urging her to help them cash in a winning lottery ticket. They claimed they needed her help or they’d be deported.
In order to get the winnings, they told her they wanted to see proof she had money on her credit card.
She forked over $5,000.
“They told her, ‘if you do this for us, there is a reward for being a good citizen. We’re gonna pay your $2,500,'” she said through the translator.
Detectives arrested Jhon Figueroa and Siomara Jimenez. They’re still looking for Marino Jimenez Quintana, of Kissimmee.
News Channel 8 first reported Jimenez’s arrest last week.
The trio is accused of stealing $152,034 in cash and $34,400 in jewelry from at least 12 Hispanic women.
“Let me make myself very clear. If you prey on victims, especially our seniors, you will be sorry,” said Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
She joined Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister to announce the arrests and urge other victims to come forward.
“If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” the attorney general warned.
