Aug 3, 2025
A 24-year-old woman in Tampa has been arrested for allegedly running an ATM fraud scheme that investigators say played out entirely on social media — using real bank accounts, fake checks, and willing accomplices. The case shines a light on a rising scam known as a “tap-in,” and spins a cautionary tale about why online get-rich-quick posts are often too good to be true.
What is “tap-in” fraud?
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the scam revolves around convincing real account holders to allow access to their bank accounts. The fraudster deposits a fraudulent or counterfeit check into the victim's account, then quickly withdraws the cash at an ATM before the check can bounce.
That’s what authorities say Janetcilize Martinez was advertising across her social media accounts. Investigators say she publicly solicited people with bank accounts, posted pictures of large cash withdrawals, and used her platform to lure more people into her operation.
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How police caught her
Detectives received a tip on May 8, 2025, identifying Martinez as the ringleader. After monitoring her social media accounts and building evidence, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at her home on July 29.
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What they found was extensive:
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117 credit cards that did not belong to her
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Equipment used to create fake cards
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Multiple bank documents with stolen personal information
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$6,292 in cash
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78 grams of cannabis, drug paraphernalia, and a semi-automatic handgun
She was arrested and now faces a slate of felony charges, including fraudulent use of personal identification, possession of credit card-making equipment, and possession of cannabis with intent to sell.
“Theft is not a victimless crime. It affects real people and real businesses,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a public statement. “This individual thought she could cash in on a criminal scheme, but now she will pay the price for her actions.”
Why this scam works and why it’s spreading
“Tap-in” scams aren’t new — but they’re easier than ever to run thanks to the viral nature of social media. Keith Ludwick, a former FBI agent and current CEO of Stop Scamming Me, says the schemes often hinge on one simple message: “I have a check. I’ll give you 10%.” That pitch has been used in various forms for decades, but platforms with short-form video like Instagram and TikTok give it massive reach.
“Familiarity breeds complacency,” Ludwick told Fox 13 Tampa. “So people using social media tend to just believe everything they see.”
And even people who willingly share their account information may not realize what they’re part of. While they may get a cut of the withdrawal, they’re participating in bank fraud — and their personal data could be reused or sold later.
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What to watch for
Fraud experts say there are a few common red flags when it comes to financial scams on social media:
- Posts asking for bank access, Zelle/Venmo details, or debit cards
- Offers of easy money for “flipping” cash or “joining a drop”
- Photos of large ATM receipts, bundles of cash, or check deposits
If someone asks to use your bank account, do not share it — even if they offer a cut of the money. You could end up responsible for thousands in fraud, or worse, become the subject of an investigation.
And if a post looks too good to be true, it probably is.
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Rudro is an Editor with Moneywise. His work has appeared on Yahoo Finance, MSN Money and The Financial Post. He previously served as Managing Editor of Oola, and as the Content Lead of Tickld before that. Rudro holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto.
