Gold Coins Worth $50K Stolen in Florida Keys Treasure Scam
A Florida man got himself into some pretty serious trouble over two shiny gold coins worth more than $50,000. Yeah, sure, shiny gold things are tempting, but to risk your freedom for them? No, thanks. Well, according to WTVJ, this guy, Keiontae Raneake Osean Smith (that’s a lot of names), is facing grand theft charges for tricking someone out of gold coins in the Florida Keys.
Here’s how it went down. Smith, from Tampa, set up a deal to buy these gold coins from a guy in Bay Point, which is in the Lower Keys. They agreed on $53,750 because, you know, gold coins ain’t cheap. They decide on a wire transfer to keep things official. But when the time came to actually hand over the cash, Smith pulled a fast one. He showed the seller a photo of what looked like a bank transfer. Only problem? It was as fake as a three dollar bill.
Gold Coins Scam:
After the deal for the gold coins, the victim realized something was off when no money hit their account. They dig a little deeper and, surprise, surprise, find out Smith had been using a fake name. And if that wasn’t enough, he handed over a bogus tracking number and even a fake credit card number just to wrap the scam in one big bow.
Authorities caught up with Smith, and now he’s booked on charges of grand theft and dealing in stolen property. No lawyer info is available for him yet, but you gotta imagine, this is gonna be a rough ride. When you’re out here playing pirate and stealing gold coins in the Keys, eventually the real authorities are coming for that booty.
3 of The Top Attractions in the US Are In Florida
The 2024 Travelers’ Choice® Awards Best of the Best Things to Do list is out and there’s a reason why so many people vacation in Florida. 25 of the most loved top attractions in the US made the list, highlighting the highest rated experiences and attractions around the world and in the US based on Tripadvisor reviews.
What’s number one? The Empire State Building in New York City climbed to the top as the No. 1 attraction, not just in the US, but globally. Reviewers are wowed by the 360-degree view of New York, where they can point out all of their favorite landmarks and see up to six states on a clear day. Over 300 reviews deem it a “once in a lifetime” experience and more than 8,000 5-star reviews put this tourist spot on top. Another New York iconic spot also made the top 3 top attractions in the US list.
Top Attractions in the US
- Empire State Building, New York City, New York
- Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Central Park, New York City, New York
Kristen Dalton, President of Tripadvisor states “Experiences make a trip, and our Best of the Best Things to Do Awards offer some of the highest-rated activities from across the world, highlighted by our community of travelers. Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a leisurely explorer, the ‘Best of the Best’ badge has the seal of approval from global travelers as a source of inspiration for an unforgettable vacation.”
Top Attractions in Florida
Florida still maintains itself as a major tourist destination with 3 of the top attractions in the US being here in the Sunshine State. As a 20 year resident of Florida, I love doing touristy things, but I’m kind of disappointed in myself. I’ve not been to any of these 3 attractions. Yet.
