DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested a 26-year-old woman accused of posing as a caregiver to prey on elderly residents in Deerfield Beach, stealing debit cards and draining bank accounts over a series of incidents that began in October.
Investigators identified the suspect as Jamisha Shamari Sylvain, of Deerfield Beach. Detectives say she targeted vulnerable seniors by convincing them she was authorized to enter their apartments, often claiming to be a new caregiver assigned through their health insurance.
The investigation began in early October, when detectives received a report that an elderly man living at the B’nai B’rith apartments was being exploited by an unknown woman. According to investigators, the victim allowed the woman into his apartment after she claimed to be a caregiver. Once inside, she accessed his bank card and withdrew money from his account multiple times, totaling $1,600.
As detectives looked deeper, they uncovered additional, similar incidents involving other elderly victims in Deerfield Beach. In those cases, investigators say Sylvain used the same approach — presenting herself as a professional caregiver, gaining the trust of residents, and convincing them she had permission to be there.
Once inside the apartments, detectives say she stole debit cards and asked victims for personal banking information, which was then used to make unauthorized withdrawals and transactions. Some victims believed she was acting on behalf of a health insurance provider, a detail investigators say helped her avoid suspicion.
The cases were investigated through a coordinated effort involving the Broward Sheriff’s Office Deerfield Beach District Criminal Investigations Unit, Crime Suppression Team, and the district’s Operational and Tactical Intelligence Center. That work led detectives to identify Sylvain as the suspect and secure an arrest warrant.
On Friday, Dec. 19, Sylvain was located and taken into custody. She was booked into the BSO Main Jail and faces multiple charges, including occupied burglary, exploitation of an elderly person, criminal use of personal identification information, theft of a credit card, and grand theft involving a victim 65 or older.
Detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. The investigation remains active, and authorities are asking anyone with information or concerns to contact law enforcement.
BSO is also reminding residents and families to take precautions to prevent similar scams. Investigators advise verifying the identity, credentials, and references of any caregiver or aide before allowing them access to a home or financial information. Regularly reviewing bank statements and credit reports can help catch suspicious activity early.
Authorities also recommend involving a trusted friend or family member before sharing financial information, especially if something feels unusual or rushed. Reporting suspicious activity as soon as possible can increase the chances of stopping losses.
Anyone living in a Broward Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction who believes they, or someone they know, may be a victim of a similar scam is urged to call BSO’s non-emergency number at 954-764-HELP (4357).
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