A 75-year-old woman was allegedly defrauded of more than $25,000 by an American Airlines flight attendant who is accused of exploiting her vulnerability and using airline employee travel benefits to visit her residence.
According to a report by View From The Wing, the alleged fraud began when a caller posing as a Publishers Clearing House representative told the elderly woman she had won a prize. To claim it, she was reportedly asked to send a $500 gift card to the flight attendant.
Investigators allege that the accused subsequently gained access to the woman’s Apple credit card and carried out 88 transactions worth $10,590.30. She also allegedly obtained another $14,220 through cash withdrawals and Zelle transfers.
The victim, who reportedly experienced memory problems, could not recall several cash withdrawals or her meeting with the flight attendant, the report said.
The alleged purchases included Apple products worth $1,523.16 and an eBay order valued at $1,740.91. Other transactions involved T-Mobile, Ugg and a hair salon. Investigators also identified multiple Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, including one Uber transaction in Jamaica during a layover.
The flight attendant allegedly used her employee travel privileges to fly to the woman’s residence in November. She reportedly spent a short time there before leaving and later made purchases using the victim’s card at two airports.
US Customs and Border Protection officers arrested the flight attendant at a Miami airport on October 23, after she arrived from an international trip. An outstanding arrest warrant was reportedly pending against her.
She was subsequently released after posting a $30,000 bond. Her arraignment is scheduled for November 24.
