A Texas woman has been sentenced to five years in prison for taking tens of thousands of dollars from an elderly Buford couple in a banking scam.
The Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office issued a statement Friday saying Audrey Michelle Townsend, age 26, recently pleaded guilty to theft by taking of over $25,000 and four counts of elder abuse and exploitation. She was sentenced to 20 years, with five years to serve in prison and the remainder on probation.
The scam happened in 2024, when the District Attorney's Office said Townsend misled Gary and Gloria Moss into providing her with their banking information. She then transferred nearly $50,000 of their money into an account controlled by her.
"Unscrupulous people like this defendant are looking to take advantage of vulnerable members of our community," Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said in the release. "This can happen to any of us, but it is especially egregious that she targeted a senior couple."
The District Attorney's Office said the scam took place in February of 2024 and that the couple's bank, Chase Bank, initially refused to return the couple's money, insisting that the couple had authorized the transfer. Police then subpoenaed bank records, launching a criminal investigation.
"With media attention and a criminal investigation underway, Chase Bank in July 2024 returned the full amount of the lost money to the Moss's," the District Attorney's Office said.
Austin-Gatson said the case is a reminder for residents to remain vigilant of scammers.
"We advise everyone to be vigilant when they receive contact from familiar and unfamiliar sources regarding important matters like their finances and other personal information," Austin-Gatson said. "Ensure that it is your bank by hanging up and calling your bank directly. Don't hesitate to reach out to authorities if you believe you may be the victim of fraud or exploitation."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2025/8/1297994/texas-woman-sentenced-to-prison-for-scamming-buford-couple