The case of Katherine Coromoto Angulo-Rivera, a 27-year-old woman from Florida, highlights the vulnerability of elderly residents to scams and the importance of being vigilant. This article will delve into the details of her case and the alarming consequences of her actions.
Scamming Elderly Residents for Tens of Thousands of Dollars
Katherine Coromoto Angulo-Rivera is facing additional charges of organized fraud and exploitation of the elderly after being accused of scamming another elderly resident out of tens of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry. This is not her first brush with the law, as she was previously arrested earlier in April on similar charges. The alleged scheme involved Angulo-Rivera approaching elderly victims, claiming to have a jewelry cleaning service, and then stealing their jewelry. The victim in the latest incident reported that Angulo-Rivera offered to clean their jewelry, and after being invited into their home, she was given around $30,000 in jewelry to be cleaned.
- Angulo-Rivera then poured a liquid solution into the container and claimed that the jewelry would be melted down to create costume jewelry.
- The victim was instructed not to remove the paper towel over the container for an hour, after which the paper towel was removed and the jewelry was found to be missing, replaced with a rosary that was burned and melted down.
Pattern of Behavior
This is not the first time Angulo-Rivera has been accused of scamming elderly residents. According to reports, she would perform this scheme for several other elderly residents, leaving them with significant financial losses. The victim in the latest incident was able to recognize Angulo-Rivera after watching NBC6 and calling the police. Angulo-Rivera was identified in a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office photographic lineup and was apprehended by the City of Miami Police.
| Characteristics of the Scam | Description |
|---|---|
| Approach | Angulo-Rivera approaches elderly victims, claiming to have a jewelry cleaning service. |
| Initial Offer | Angulo-Rivera offers to clean the victim’s jewelry. |
| Payment | The victim is given around $30,000 in jewelry to be cleaned. |
| Deception | Angulo-Rivera pours a liquid solution into the container, claiming that the jewelry will be melted down to create costume jewelry. |
Consequences
Angulo-Rivera’s actions have serious consequences for the victims and the community at large. The victim in the latest incident reported significant financial losses, and Angulo-Rivera faces charges of organized fraud and exploitation of the elderly. The judge set Angulo-Rivera’s bond to $15,000 and ordered her to stay away from the victim. This is a clear indication that the court recognizes the severity of the crime and the need to protect the victims.
Prevention
The case of Katherine Coromoto Angulo-Rivera highlights the importance of being vigilant and taking preventive measures to protect oneself and one’s loved ones from scams. Here are some tips to help prevent falls victim to scams like this:
- Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unsolicited offers.
- Verify the authenticity of any service or product being offered.
- Never give out sensitive information or hand over valuables to someone you don’t know.
- Be wary of unusual or suspicious behavior, such as the use of smoke and fire to melt down jewelry.
Conclusion
The case of Katherine Coromoto Angulo-Rivera serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and taking preventive measures to protect oneself and one’s loved ones from scams. By being aware of the warning signs and taking steps to protect oneself, individuals can reduce the risk of falling victim to scams like this.
