ATM predator charged with targeting elderly in Kgn, St Catherine

What appeared to be a good Samaritan offering help at ATMs across Kingston and St Catherine has turned out to be an alleged con artist preying on the elderly and stealing thousands of dollars from their bank account.

Detectives assigned to the Fraud Squad and the Financial Crimes Investigation Division within the Specialised Investigations Branch have charged 34-year-old Sean Williams, of no fixed address, in connection with a card switching scheme that reportedly left senior citizens thousands of dollars poorer.

Williams was formally charged on Friday, February 20, with Unauthorised Access to Computer Data, Simple Larceny and Possession of Identity Information.

Police say Williams would frequent Automated Teller Machines and single out elderly individuals who appeared to be experiencing technical difficulties. He would then approach them under the guise of offering assistance, allegedly switch their legitimate bank cards with dummy cards and later withdraw funds until the accounts were depleted.

One victim reportedly lost more than $300,000.

Williams was apprehended in Spanish Town, St Catherine, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, during a joint operation involving FFCID detectives and the St Catherine North Police.

Head of the SIB, Senior Superintendent of Police Christopher Brown, praised the collaborative effort that led to the arrest.

"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.

Williams' court date is being finalised.

Police are urging citizens to remain vigilant, especially when elderly relatives are conducting transactions at ATMs. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim is being asked to contact the SIB at 876-967-1389, the police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.

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