O
n July 8, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Task Force uncovered a sophisticated real‑estate scam that threatened to siphon $1,725,014.85 from a Space Coast resident. Hackers had hijacked an active email thread between the buyer and the parties handling the sale, posing as the sellers and altering the wiring instructions. The victim was tricked into transferring the entire purchase price into a fraudulent account, after which the thieves moved $750,000 into a second account at the same bank to conceal the proceeds.

    The homeowner noticed the irregularity within hours, immediately notified his bank, and, after being told recovery seemed unlikely, reached out to the sheriff’s office. The task force launched a rapid investigation and partnered with the bank’s fraud unit. By 10 p.m. that evening, the stolen funds had been traced, frozen, and the full $1.7 million returned to the rightful owner.

    Sheriff Wayne Ivey praised the team’s swift action and urged the public to stay alert against cyber and financial fraud. “If you or someone you know falls victim to a financial cybercrime, contact your bank and us right away,” he said. “Our Economic Crimes Task Force works harder than the bad guys to protect our citizens from the many scams that target them each year.”

    This case highlights the critical role of prompt reporting and close cooperation between law enforcement and financial institutions in preventing devastating losses. The victim’s quick response, combined with the task force’s expertise, stopped a major financial loss in its tracks. The BCSO Economic Crimes Task Force continues to investigate and recover assets in a wide range of fraud cases, underscoring the importance of vigilance and rapid action whenever suspicious activity arises.