Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has filed multiple felony charges against Ricardo Karns, a tax preparer accused of orchestrating a scheme to defraud Floridians, including 19 seniors. Karns, who operated Karns Taxes & Investments, allegedly used personal information from nonclients to open fraudulent credit card accounts and funnel funds through his business.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office investigation, Karns accessed personal identification information from at least 21 victims without their knowledge.
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Using this information, he opened credit card accounts in their names and conducted transactions at Karns Taxes & Investments, falsely making it appear that the victims had purchased services from his business.
Karns then transferred the stolen funds to separate accounts or withdrew them as cash. Investigators also discovered that some fraudulent transactions were linked to businesses owned by Karns’ associates.
“This tax preparer stole personal information to defraud Florida seniors,” Attorney General Ashley Moody said. “He tried to launder his ill-gotten gains through his tax business, spending countless hours executing his illegal scheme. Now, my Statewide Prosecutors will ensure he pays for his crimes with an extended stay at a taxpayer-funded facility.”
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Karns faces an extensive list of charges, including:
- One count of organized scheme to defraud
- Two counts of money laundering
- 16 counts of criminal use of personal identification information
- 19 counts of grand theft of a person 65 years or older
- Three counts of grand theft
Karns’ arrest highlights the risks vulnerable populations face from fraudulent schemes, particularly seniors. Attorney General Moody emphasized the importance of holding those who exploit vulnerable Floridians accountable, ensuring justice for the victims of Karns’ crimes.
This case serves as a reminder for Floridians to remain vigilant and safeguard their personal information, especially when working with service providers who handle sensitive financial data.
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