A man from New York has admitted to federal charges after using fake U.S. passport cards to illegally withdraw money from bank accounts in Massachusetts.
Jean Andre Bontiffe, aged 41, has confessed to three charges of bank fraud, one charge of forgery or unauthorized use of a passport, and one charge of aggravated identity theft. The sentencing for these offenses has been set for May 6, 2025 by Chief U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV.
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Court documents reveal that in July 2022, Bontiffe journeyed from New York to Massachusetts and made several attempts to withdraw funds from the bank accounts of three Massachusetts residents. Utilizing counterfeit U.S. passport cards and credit cards, he managed to successfully pilfer a grand total of $13,800.
Once, Bontiffe tried to withdraw $4,500 from a TD Bank branch in North Andover by using a counterfeit passport and credit card as identification. However, the bank teller quickly recognized a signature mismatch, denied the transaction, and confiscated the fraudulent documents. Bontiffe then fled the scene.
Vermont Woman Admits Guilt in Wire Fraud Scheme, Swindling Elderly Victim Out of $84,000
In a recent case, a woman from Vermont has pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud after successfully defrauding an elderly victim out of more than $84,000. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant against scams and protecting oneself from financial exploitation.
The defendant in this case, whose identity has not been disclosed, used deceptive tactics to gain the trust of the elderly victim. Through a series of fraudulent schemes, she managed to convince the victim to transfer substantial amounts of money to her account. The total sum of $84,000 was ultimately taken from the victim, leaving her in a vulnerable and financially compromised state.
Wire fraud is a serious offense that involves the use of electronic communications to execute fraudulent schemes. In this case, the defendant utilized various methods, including phone calls and online interactions, to carry out her deceitful activities. By preying on the victim’s trust and exploiting her vulnerability, she was able to successfully carry out the fraudulent transactions.
The consequences of wire fraud can be devastating, particularly for vulnerable individuals who are targeted by these schemes. It is crucial for both individuals and institutions to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves against such scams. This includes being cautious of unsolicited requests for money, verifying the legitimacy of any financial transactions, and seeking assistance from law enforcement or financial professionals when in doubt.
As this case demonstrates, wire fraud can have far-reaching consequences for both the victims and the perpetrators. It serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat fraud and protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to these schemes. By raising awareness and promoting education, we can work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for all.
In August 2022, Bontiffe was arrested at LaGuardia Airport in New York. He had attempted to pass through TSA security using a counterfeit California driver’s license, which bore the name of one of the Massachusetts victims.
Bontiffe will be subject to severe consequences for his criminal actions. If found guilty of making or using a forged passport, he could face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. Additionally, the charge of bank fraud carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years. Furthermore, the aggravated identity theft charge mandates a two-year sentence that must be served consecutively to any other punishment given.
Multiple agencies were involved in the investigation of this case, including:
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- U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service
- Mamaroneck (New York) Police Department
Luke A. Goldworm, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, is handling the prosecution in this case.
