'Smooth-talking scam artist' sought in connection with 17 scam cases

Jonas Matayer targeting victims ages 18 to 25

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando police say video shows Jonas Matayer walking up to an ATM to deposit a fake check and withdraw money from his victims.

Police say in his latest scam, he lured a man riding his bike into his newer style Camaro, telling him he could make a thousand dollars.

Investigators say 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 say he's gotten so good at picking his victims, they call 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 say 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 over $5,000.

The victims are between the ages of 18 and 25.

Matayer is being charged with a laundry list of fraud charges, and he's still out there.

If you have any information, call police.


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