ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orlando Police Department said it is searching for a "smooth-talking scam artist" that approaches people in parking lots throughout Orange County.
Police said Jonas Metayer, 34, convinced people that he's a business owner. He also said he had been granted a "tax break" and needed to diversify it in order to maximize a "legal opportunity."
Detective Todd Herb said Metayer told his victims they can help him out, and make a quick buck if they hand over their debit card and pin so he can deposit a check.
“These are younger, a lot of them college age students. They're a little bit gullible. They're hurting for money. He's a smooth talker. He's good at convincing people that that what he's doing is legal,” said detective Todd Herb.
An Orlando police detective has at least 17 open cases involving Metayer and other suspects, police said.
“This could be your college kid just trying get extra money. My latest victim worked at a local amusement park and thought he was getting a good deal and just couldn't pay his rent for that month," said Herb.
Metayer has a warrant for fraud and is a suspect in multiple check scams throughout Orange County.
Police said Metayer might be in the area of South Rio Grande and Texas Avenue.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
Cox Media Group
