Sarasota Police Warn Seniors To Look Our For Credit Card Fraud

SARASOTA, FL — Sarasota police are warning senior citizens to keep an eye out for fraudulent credit card charges after a health care worker at an assisted living facility on Hudson Avenue was accused of stealing credit cards from a 99-year-old woman and two other elderly residents.

"We believe there may be additional victims at the assisted living facility, but this serves as a good reminder for everyone to keep an eye on their statements," Genevieve Judge of the Sarasota Police Department told Patch.

Twenty-nine-year-old Yolanda Taite of Tallevast, Florida, was charged with exploitation of the elderly and grand theft from a person over 65 years or older after family members reported the fraudulent credit card transactions.

"Additional charges are possible," according to Sarasota police. "In July 2020, family members came forward after their mother, who is 99-years-old, was the victim of credit card theft. Sarasota Police detectives learned the mother is living at an assisted living home on Hudson Avenue in Sarasota."

Sarasota detectives discovered charges totaling $1,206.22 between May 28 and June 27.

"While collecting video surveillance footage for the fraudulent credit card transactions, a woman believed to be Taite is seen on camera with another person, believed to be a man, and they made two separate purchases at a retail store," police said.

A second transaction at the retail store involved a credit card belonging to an 85-year-old male resident of the assisted living home.

"Sarasota Police detectives reached out to the man’s power of attorney and learned the man is unable to take care of himself and does not use his credit card," police said.

Those charges totaled $1,090.15 between June 22 and July 9.

"As an employee, Taite had trusted access from her employer to all resident’s apartments and rooms," Sarasota police said.

Police said Taite was fired after her arrest. She had worked at the facility since February of 2019.

"An arrest warrant has been issued for Taite for an additional charge of exploitation of the elderly (less than $10,000) after a third family came forward to report fraudulent charges on their sister’s credit card," police added. "The sister is 86-years-old and also lives at the assisted living home."

To report a tip, call Detective Jessica Sullivan of the Sarasota Police Department at 941-263-6070, email Jessica.Sullivan@SarasotaFL.gov or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS. Alternatively, visit www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.