KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 34-year-old man has been charged in connection with a card-switching scheme that targeted elderly citizens across the parishes of Kingston and St Catherine.

He is Sean Williams of no fixed address. Williams is charged with unauthorised access to computer data, simple larceny and possession of identity information.

Reports are that Williams frequented automated teller machines (ATMs) looking for elderly individuals who appeared to be experiencing technical difficulties. He would reportedly approach them under the guise of providing assistance and then allegedly switch the victim’s bank card for a dummy card and steal funds from their ATM cards until they were depleted.

In one case, a victim lost more than $300,000.

Williams was apprehended in Spanish Town, St Catherine on Thursday, February 19, 2026, through a joint effort among detectives, the St Catherine North police and the Fraud Squad and the Financial Crimes Investigation Division within the Specialised Investigations Branch (SIB).

His court date is being finalised.

Head of the SIB, Senior Superintendent of Police, Christopher Brown, lauded the police’s efforts in apprehending Williams.

“We commend the collaborative effort that led to the apprehension of Williams, who was targeting our elderly community. This exploitation is unacceptable. We are extremely grateful for the use of advanced techniques and partnerships that made this arrest possible. The SIB remains committed to protecting Jamaica’s vulnerable populations,” said SSP Brown.

Meanwhile, the police are urging citizens to be vigilant, especially regarding elderly relatives, when transacting business or using ATMs.

Victims are asked to contact the SIB at 876-967-1389, the police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.