Florida Man Charged In Multi-State Fraud Case
On July 27th, 2022, the U.S. Attorneys’ Office for the Middle District of Alabama announced that Timothy Scott Marable, a 50-year-old man from Highlands County, FL, has been arrested and criminally charged as part of a multi-state fraud investigation. Mr. Marable stands accused of defrauding several businesses. In this article, our Miami deceptive and unfair trade practices lawyer provides an overview of the allegations and explains your rights if your business or organization was defrauded by an unscrupulous actor.
Allegations: Florida Man Gained Unauthorized Access to Business Email
According to the allegations raised by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Timothy Scott Marable of Florida used a variety of tactics—including computer hacking―to gain unauthorized access to emails and sensitive account information for at least four different businesses. With the illicit information, Mr. Marable and co-conspirators sent unauthorized emails to other third party businesses while posing as a legitimate representative of the initial company.
The unauthorized emails were effectively part of a scheme to steal money from the business that had been a victim of the hacking. Mr. Marable used the emails and other sensitive account information to make changes to business accounts, including altering bank accounts. In total, the DOJ contends that Mr. Marable defrauded at least four companies out of a collective $2.7 million. The companies were located in states all around the country, including in Ohio and Texas. The criminal computer fraud at issue in this case allegedly occurred between the Fall of 2019 and the spring of 2020.
Florida Law Allows Businesses to Bring a Private Civil Lawsuit to Stop Fraud
In this case, the perpetrator stands accused of a criminal fraud violation. Timothy Scott Marable has been indicted on federal wire fraud charges. However, it is important to emphasize that businesses in Florida can take action to hold a fraudster—or any other party engaged on material misrepresentations or material omissions―legally liable on their own. A business in Florida does not have to wait for federal/state regulators or prosecutors to bring a legal claim.
The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) allows private parties to file a civil lawsuit against a fraudster. There may or may not be a corresponding criminal investigation regarding the alleged fraud. Through an FDUTPA claim, a plaintiff has the right to seek financial compensation for the full extent of their actual damages. Notably, Florida courts have consistently held that businesses—both fraud victims and competitors—have rights under the FDUTPA.
Set Up a Completely Confidential Case Review With a FDUTPA Attorney Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Florida FDUTPA attorneys are skilled and attentive advocates for clients. We have deep experience helping victims of consumer fraud and/or business fraud get justice under the FDUPTA and other statutes. To arrange your confidential appointment with an experienced attorney, please do not hesitate to contact us today. With legal offices in West Palm Beach, Wellington, and Miami, we handle FDUTPA claims throughout the entire region.
Source:
justice.gov/usao-mdal/pr/lake-placid-florida-man-charged-participating-business-email-compromise-scheme-spanning
