A 20-year-old Coral Springs man is behind bars in Broward County after Monroe County detectives say he pulled off a high-pressure phone scam that cleaned out a Big Pine Key couple for more than $70,000 in cash and jewelry.
Investigators say the man used a phony bank-investigator routine over the phone, then had the victims hand over money and valuables to rideshare drivers who thought they were just picking up routine fares. A multi-agency probe eventually connected the Florida Keys complaint to similar cases in other states, according to deputies.
As reported by Tampa Free Press, the suspect, identified as 20-year-old Marqus Devon Braddy, faces multiple theft-related counts. He was also arrested on separate Broward County charges for possession of fentanyl and unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon. Law enforcement told Tampa Free Press that Braddy is likely to face additional charges in Maryland as investigators compare notes with authorities there.
How The Scam Worked
Monroe County detectives told Tampa Free Press that Braddy claimed over the phone to be an investigator for a major national bank. In April 2026, he allegedly talked the first victim into withdrawing a large amount of cash, then handing it to a rideshare driver who showed up at their home…