Senior Citizen Falls Victim to Elaborate Uber Driver Scam, Loses Thousands: Volusia Sheriff’s Warning

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities have detained two individuals this week following an incident where an elderly man was defrauded of a significant sum, as reported by Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood.

According to Chitwood’s statement, an 85-year-old resident of Deltona was deceived into withdrawing $6,000 after receiving a phone call from someone impersonating his bank.

The cash was subsequently collected by an Uber driver and transported to a location in Daytona Beach, the sheriff noted.

The following day, when the fraudster attempted to extract more cash, detectives from the Financial Crimes Unit set up a sting operation with a counterfeit package, which was again sent to the same destination, the statement detailed.

Jo’vani Newton, a 22-year-old from Miramar, took delivery of the package and was swiftly taken into custody by deputies on Thursday, as disclosed by the sheriff’s office.

Meanwhile, Michael Shackelford, 20, of Daytona Beach, was determined to be the driver of the black Hyundai Elantra that dropped Newton off at the pickup site, deputies said. He was later arrested at an apartment complex.

Now, both men face charges of obtaining property by fraud, and Newton faces an additional charge of obstruction without violence. The two suspects were later released on bond.

“The FCU has learned the account that ordered the Uber is tied to several other similar scams throughout the country,” Chitwood concluded. “It’s believed the group is based out of South Florida.”