'Smooth-talking scam artist' arrested in Miami

Jonas Matayer arrested this week by Miami-Dade police

MIAMI – Police said a man linked to multiple scam cases has been arrested in Miami.

Jonas Matayer was arrested this week by the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Orlando police said video showed Matayer walking up to an ATM to deposit a fake check and withdraw money from his victims.

In one of his latest scams, Matayer lured a man riding his bike into his newer style Camaro, telling him he could make $1,000, police said.

Investigators said Matayer, who uses the name Johnny, told the victim he was in the car-flipping business and if he went with him to the bank, he would give him $1,000 to help him transfer the money.

Police said he had gotten so good at picking his victims, they called him a smooth-talking scam artist.

At some point, Matayer convinced the victim to give him a debit card and PIN, which he used to deposit a stolen check.

Police said Matayer is linked to 17 other similar open cases, where he would deposit stolen checks and withdraw as much money as he could, promising the victim a percentage of the check.

The total amount lost by the McCoy and Fairwinds Credit Union is more than $5,000.

The victims were between the ages of 18 and 25.

A warrant was out for his arrest. Matayer is being held with no bond.


About the Authors

Troy Blevins is a Digital Content Editor who has been with Graham Media Group since 2012.

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