Coral Springs woman faces grand theft charges after allegedly scamming a local resident out of nearly 20 thousand dollars
Coral Springs, Florida – A Coral Springs woman has been charged in connection with a $19,460 bank scam that authorities say tricked a local resident into depositing money into a fraudulent account. Samrah Sydene Comrie, 27, faces grand theft charges for taking more than $10,000 but less than $20,000, according to law enforcement officials.
Investigators said the scam began with a phone call in which someone impersonated a Wells Fargo employee. The caller told the victim that her bank account was under federal investigation and instructed her to withdraw funds and deposit them into what was described as a “safe” Wells Fargo account. Victims were warned not to speak with bank employees about the matter, creating a sense of urgency and secrecy.
Believing she was assisting legitimate bank investigators, the victim withdrew $19,460 and deposited the funds as instructed. Soon afterward, she grew suspicious and visited a local Wells Fargo branch. Bank employees confirmed that she had been targeted in a scam, according to reports from the Coral Springs Police Department.
Authorities traced the fraudulent account to Comrie. Surveillance footage from the bank captured a woman making the deposits, and investigators confirmed that the image matched Comrie’s driver’s license photo. Records also showed deposits totaling the same amount made during the time period in question, further linking her to the scam.
Comrie, who resides in Coral Springs, declined to speak with investigators about the allegations. She was arrested and later released on a $2,000 bond, according to court records. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to ensure no other victims were affected.
“This type of scam preys on people’s trust in financial institutions and their willingness to follow instructions from someone claiming to be an authority,” a spokesperson for the Coral Springs Police Department said. Investigators warn the public to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls regarding bank accounts or federal investigations.
Phone scams of this nature have become increasingly sophisticated, often using fear tactics to pressure victims into transferring money. In many cases, scammers instruct victims to bypass normal security procedures, such as speaking directly with bank employees, which increases the likelihood of success.
Authorities are reminding residents to verify any suspicious calls independently before taking action. “If someone calls claiming to be from a bank or government agency, hang up and contact the institution directly,” the spokesperson said.
Comrie’s case highlights the ongoing need for public awareness about financial scams, particularly those targeting unsuspecting individuals over the phone. Law enforcement officials say vigilance and education remain key tools in preventing similar schemes in the future.
The Coral Springs Police Department encourages anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a similar scam to report it immediately, providing investigators with timely information that could prevent further losses.
