Detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Deerfield Beach District arrested a 22-year-old man last week for preying on an elderly victim as part of a bank scam that cost the victim tens of thousands of dollars.

Scams like this one have become all too frequent in Broward County and across the country, and BSO detectives hope this victim’s experience prevents other individuals from being victimized.

In the Deerfield Beach case, BSO detectives received a tip from the South Florida Fraud Task Force/FBI. Through the ensuing BSO investigation, detectives learned the victim received a call from someone claiming to be from Wells Fargo. The caller told the victim that someone was trying to withdraw $20,000 from his account. At that point another individual joined the call posing as an “investigator.” This person directed the victim to withdraw more than $20,000 in cash and ship it to an address in the 200 block of Northeast 40th Street in Deerfield Beach.

Unfortunately, the victim did as directed and sent the money. Once they began investigating, BSO detectives traced the money to Omari Burke. Detectives say Burke took the above photo and posted it on social media bragging about the money he received from the scam.

Burke was arrested at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Sept. 16 on charges of obtaining property over $20,000 by fraud, money laundering, unlawful use of a two-way communications device, defrauding a financial institution and grand theft on a person 65 years of age or older.

Detectives believe Burke and others may have used this organized bank fraud scheme to target senior citizens on other occasions. The investigation into these incidents is active and ongoing.

These types of scams come in different forms, and it’s vital for residents to remain vigilant.  Please read and follow the tips below to ensure you avoid becoming a victim.

• If you receive a call from a supposed bank employee claiming possible fraud against your account or a possible cloning of your debit card, immediately hang up and contact your bank directly using the number listed on your bank statement or the bank’s website.

• Do not provide unknown callers with any personal information, PIN, items, or money.

• A financial banking institute will not ask you to withdraw funds from your bank account and place them in an Uber.

• An employee of a bank will not ask you to give your debit card and PIN to a ride-share driver.

• No government agencies, including law enforcement, will call you and ask for money.

• If you receive a call that seems like a scam, it probably is. Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics, take a breath and hang up the phone. Once you end the call, contact your local law enforcement agency to report the incident.

• Beware of phishing emails and avoid clicking on links on emails.

If you live in a BSO jurisdiction and believe you are a victim of a similar scam, call BSO’s non-emergency number at 954-764-HELP (4357).