Ten Arrested in Navy Federal Phone Scam Targeting Local Victims

Virginia Beach, Virginia — A wave of phone scams has defrauded victims in Hampton Roads of millions, prompting federal authorities to arrest ten suspects linked to the scheme. The suspects reportedly targeted customers of Navy Federal Credit Union, duping them into providing access to their phones.

Prosecutors have announced that those arrested face charges including wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to launder money. The suspects are: Rodney Thornton, Steven Carter Jones III, Jamaica Sumner, Troy Lee Davis III, Laterrance Park Jr., Jordan Pugh, Lois Irene Staton, Joy Davis, Persia Brown, and Andrea Holley, all from Norfolk or Virginia Beach.

Officials report that about 500 victims have come forward regarding the scam, resulting in losses exceeding $2 million. The perpetrators would approach people in parking lots near Navy Federal branches, posing as individuals in need of help. Once they gained the victim’s trust and access to their phones, they would quickly apply for loans and make unauthorized transactions through the Navy Federal mobile app.

In some cases, the suspects escalated their tactics. For instance, one victim reported that a suspect revealed a firearm when he hesitated to comply. According to court documents, suspects created fake loan applications and manipulated victims’ accounts by disputing transactions to gain additional funds.

33 victims are currently linked to this latest federal indictment, with the number possibly increasing as investigations continue. Authorities stated that suspects often operate in groups and may involve children to elicit sympathy.

One victim, Travis Minson, shared his story of being approached and unknowingly allowing access to his phone, resulting in a $7,000 loan taken out in his name. Another victim, Angel Taylor, described a similar experience while at a Newport News Walmart, resulting in a $4,000 loan she had to repay.

Local police have advised the public against lending their phones to strangers, citing a recent uptick in these kinds of crimes targeting Navy Federal Credit Union customers. Navy Federal has stated that they continually adapt their security measures to combat emerging fraud trends, although they do not disclose how many customers have been affected.

Lawyers for some of the suspects have not commented on the case. Currently, several of the suspects are being held without bond.