Apr 15, 2026
Couple Antonio Diaz and Maria Blasco Diaz were arrested on April 7 (1). Allegedly, the couple had, over a three-year period, defrauded friends and friends' family members of over $200,000. USA Today reports the couple promised the victims cruise reservations, Rolex watches, and other luxury items – items that never existed (2).
Maria Blasco Diaz allegedly said she could get the victims discounts on a cruise through a friend who she claimed worked for Royal Caribbean. She accepted payment for cruise packages, hotel stays, and more through a mix of Zelle, checks, and cash.
Advertisement
Local 10 reports the alleged scheme began in 2022, when the couple offered a 50% friends and family discount on Rolex watches through Antonio Diaz, who worked at a jewelry store (3). Later, victims paid more than $44,000 for travel that was never secured.
The couple is facing charges that include first-degree grand theft and theft from an elderly victim.
It's easy to assume you'd never be hoodwinked, especially not by people you know and trust. But that trust is exactly what makes schemes like this one work — and why experts believe Americans aren't getting the full story.
What happens in the family, stays in the family
Crime among family members is underreported, especially when older family members are involved. The data suggests victims just aren't speaking up.
Victims of elder financial abuse are much less likely to report the abuse when they know the perpetrator. The National Elder Mistreatment Study (NEMS) found that 87.5% of financial abuse by family, friends, or acquaintances is withheld from authorities. Only 33% of abuse by strangers is withheld (4). Family matters tend to stay internal.
Must Read
- Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — are you doing the same?
- Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how
- Robert Kiyosaki says this 1 asset will surge 400% in a year and begs investors not to miss this ‘explosion’
Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
The more you know, the more you lose
You might have heard that the typical fraud costs victims much less than $200,000, but older Americans tend to lose more than their younger counterparts. In 2019, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) analyzed suspicious activity reports and discovered the average loss to an older adult who suffers financial exploitation is $34,200 — or $45,300 for adults in their 70s (5).
Older Americans lose even more when relatives are involved. When a stranger does the deed, the average loss is $17,000. When the victim knows the suspect, the number rises to $50,000 (6).
Advertisement
The ones most likely to defraud your older relatives are their friends, family, and caregivers. An AARP report estimates 72% of elder financial crimes are masterminded by someone the victim knows (7). In other words, it's probably not a stranger who's siphoning Grandpa's money.
If Antonio Diaz and Maria Blasco Diaz did commit theft from an elderly victim, they aren't outliers. The World Health Organization estimates about 1 in 6 people who are age 60 or older were financially abused during a year-long period ending in 2024 (8).
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) suggests a simple paper trail test. If the one offering you a deal is unwilling to leave a paper trail, walk away. A paper trail could be a bill, receipt or contract. The logic is that putting it in writing is something fraudsters are typically unwilling or unable to do. Rule of thumb: No paper trail, no deal (9).
Reportedly, Maria Diaz did not provide travel documentation upon the victims' request (10).
Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.
Miami-Dade County (1); USA Today (2),(10); Local 10 (3); Office of Justice Programs (4); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (5),(6); AARP (7); World Health Organization (8); U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (9)
You May Also Like
- Turning 50 with $0 saved for retirement? Most people don’t realize they’re actually just entering their prime earning decade. Here are 6 ways to catch up fast
- Inside a $1B real estate fund offering access to thousands of income-producing rental properties — with flexible minimums starting at $10
- Vanguard’s outlook on U.S. stocks is raising alarm bells for retirees. Here’s why and how to protect yourself
- Here are 5 easy ways to own multiple properties like Bezos and Beyoncé. You can start with $10 (and no, you don’t have to manage a single thing)
Cole Tretheway has been covering money for four years. He started as an intern at The Motley Fool Money, covering best-of credit cards, savings accounts and financial products. He's since expanded into holistic personal finance, including the psychology of money.
