Federal prosecutors charge another suspect in Navy Federal parking lot scam targeting customers
Federal prosecutors have filed charges against another individual, Corey Smith, in connection with a fraudulent scheme known as the “parking lot scam,” which has victimized customers of Navy Federal Credit Union in the Hampton Roads area. This development adds to the significant burden of financial loss and emotional distress faced by hundreds of victims over the past few years.
The fraudulent scheme typically involves perpetrators approaching individuals, particularly young military-aged males, near Navy Federal branches. Utilizing tactics described by authorities as involving “deceit and intimidation,” these suspects are able to gain access to the victims’ cell phones, subsequently transferring money from their online accounts.
This latest indictment comes in the wake of earlier charges filed against ten other suspects in October, suggesting a broader network of individuals involved in these scams. Local news outlet WTKR has been closely following the story, interviewing various victims who recount their troubling experiences. Many victims have expressed frustration that, despite reporting the incidents, they have not seen any justice, while others confirmed that arrests have been made in their cases.
A significant aspect of this ongoing issue is that the victims are being held responsible for fraudulent loans taken out in their names, which they never authorized. One victim, Matt Tignor, described being charged 18% interest on a personal loan he never applied for, stating, “[Navy Federal] told me I had to start paying it back immediately because even though I submitted everything, it’s still my responsibility to pay it.” This pattern of blame has left victims feeling victimized a second time.
Add SSBCrack As A Trusted Source
In light of these developments, Virginia Beach attorney Gary Byler has stepped in to assist those affected by the scam. After seeing WTKR’s coverage, Byler went public with his offer to help victims reclaim their rights. He has since taken on approximately 40 clients and is actively pursuing justice through civil actions—two of which have already been filed in Virginia Beach and Suffolk. According to Byler, it is fundamentally unjust to hold individuals accountable for loans they never initiated. He argues that electronic transfers serve the interests of financial institutions, not consumers.
When approached for comment about the recent indictment and the ongoing litigation led by Byler, a spokesperson for Navy Federal stated, “We can’t comment on an ongoing investigation but advise all members to avoid sharing their phone with any unknown individuals.” This limited response has not satisfied victims or their advocates, who seek greater accountability and procedural changes at Navy Federal concerning online loan applications.
In a recent interview, Byler expressed his commitment to fighting for the victims’ rights. “The world is not a perfect place. It is not the way it was created, so there will always be some injustices,” he noted. “We’re called to do what we can in our own little area… No way I could stand by.”
Byler has two court hearings scheduled for December related to the civil actions he has already initiated, marking a crucial next step in the ongoing struggle for justice for those affected by this pervasive fraud.
