Fort Myers police arrested Benton M. Reynaert last week. The arrest came after a two-year investigation into a scheme that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from victims in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Reynaert worked as a “money mule” in a Microsoft/IT technical support scam, according to the Fort Myers Police Department.
The scam showed victims fake pop-up messages that claimed their computers were locked. Scammers then pressured victims to send cash after lying about a refund error.
Investigators say Reynaert moved the stolen money overseas. He used cryptocurrency kiosks, gift cards, wire transfers, Western Union transactions, and checks. The investigation lasted almost two years before members of the department’s Bravo Shift made the arrest this week.
Reynaert now faces charges of money laundering, organized fraud, use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, and dealing in stolen property. The trafficking charges relate to the dealing in stolen property count. The scheme targeted victims across three countries.
Police say the scammers relied on alarming warnings. These warnings made people believe their devices were compromised. Once victims sent cash, the funds were transferred through various channels to make tracking difficult. The methods included traditional banking options and newer payment systems like cryptocurrency.
The case marks the end of a lengthy financial crimes investigation. Police did not release details about how many victims were affected or the total amount stolen.
The Fort Myers Police Department issued a warning about similar scams. Legitimate companies and government agencies will never ask for payments or refunds through cash, cryptocurrency kiosks, gift cards, wire transfers, or mailed packages.
Anyone who encounters a similar scam should stop communication right away. The department urges people to contact law enforcement or a trusted family member if they receive suspicious requests for payment.