Former Nurse Faces Sentencing After $112,000 deception of Colleagues Unveiled
Hamilton, New Zealand – Angelina Nicole Therese Avisado Reyes, a 33-year-old former nurse, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to three charges of obtaining by deception. The charges, one of which was representative, stem from a scheme were she defrauded her colleagues of $112,000. Reyes, who no longer is employed at the District Health Board (DHB), confessed to using the funds, in part, for gambling, admitting to losing $18,000 of one victim’s money.
raewyn Sporle, Reyes’s attorney, has requested that Judge Noel Cocurullo not enter convictions, indicating that she will apply for a Section 106 discharge without conviction at the sentencing hearing scheduled for October. This legal maneuver,if triumphant,could prevent Reyes from having a criminal record.
Details of the Deception Unfold
The elaborate scheme began to unravel in early December 2023, when a manager informed one victim that Reyes’s mother was critically ill in the philippines. The deception continued to escalate over the following months, with multiple false claims including:
- The purported death of her mother, leading to a request for funds to cover burial costs.
- Fabricated hospitalizations of both parents due to various severe ailments.
- A suicide attempt resulting in notable hospital debt.
One compassionate colleague even transferred $2,000 after Reyes claimed she couldn’t afford a burial plot for her deceased mother. In another instance, a victim provided Reyes with a $600 transfer and a $400 Paysafe card, followed by an $18,000 deposit into Reyes’s account, driven by a desire to help her through fabricated crises.
The Tangled Web of Lies
The extent of Reyes’s deception went beyond mere financial requests. She painted vivid, albeit false, pictures of personal tragedies. To further manipulate her colleagues, Reyes claimed she needed money to travel home to see her sick father, racking up another $10,000.
In July, she contacted another victim claiming she was hospitalized in the Philippines and had tried to commit suicide, incurring a $30,000 debt.Unable to provide the full amount, the victim transferred $600 and provided a $400 Paysafe card.
Adding another layer to the deception, Reyes told one victim that she owed lawyers $100,000 and that her father would be jailed if the amount was not paid. She subsequently admitted to lying about the $100,000 debt and confessed to losing $18,000 gambling.
Immigration Records Expose the Fraud
While Reyes claimed to be dealing with family emergencies overseas, immigration records revealed a different reality. She was in New York between june 16 and July 14 of the previous year, attending leisure events such as a Yankees baseball game and a Justin Timberlake concert. These records directly contradicted her claims of being burdened by family crises in the Philippines.
Victim Impact and Confession
One victim alone was defrauded of $107,200. When questioned by authorities, reyes admitted to fabricating stories about her mother’s death, her father’s illness, and her suicide attempt to solicit money from her colleagues. She confirmed that both of her parents were “alive and well” in the Philippines.
Financial Fraud: A Growing Concern
Cases of financial deception are unfortunatly on the rise. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023. Investment scams and imposter scams were among the most prevalent types of fraud reported.
FTC Data
Have you ever been asked for financial help by someone you thought you could trust? How did you handle the situation?
The Legal Road Ahead
As Reyes awaits her sentencing in October, the court will consider the impact of her actions on the victims and the community. The decision to grant or deny a discharge without conviction will significantly impact her future.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Details | Details |
|---|---|
| defendant | Angelina nicole Therese Avisado reyes |
| Charges | Three counts of obtaining by deception |
| Amount Defrauded | $112,000 |
| Court | Hamilton District Court |
| Sentencing Date | October (specific date not provided) |
What measures do you think workplaces can implement to protect employees from similar scams?
Understanding Financial Deception: An Evergreen Guide
Financial deception can take many forms, from investment scams to identity theft. Recognizing the red flags is crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones. Key indicators include high-pressure sales tactics, promises of guaranteed returns, and requests for personal information.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
- Verify Information: Always double-check the legitimacy of any request for money or personal details.
- Be Skeptical: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Protect Your Information: Never share your passwords, PINs, or other sensitive data.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam,report it to the appropriate authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deception
- What is the legal definition of deception?
- The legal definition of deception varies by jurisdiction but generally involves intentionally misleading someone through false statements,actions,or omissions to gain a personal or financial advantage.
- How can I identify a potential deception?
- Look for red flags such as high-pressure sales tactics, requests for urgent action, promises of guaranteed returns, and inconsistencies in the information provided.
- What types of scams involve deception?
- Common scams involving deception include investment scams,romance scams,imposter scams,and phishing scams.
- What steps should I take if I’ve been a victim of deception?
- Report the incident to the police, your bank, and relevant authorities. Preserve all evidence, including emails, messages, and transaction records.
- How can I prevent deception in my workplace?
- Implement strong internal controls, conduct regular audits, and provide employees with training on fraud prevention and awareness.
Has this story made you more aware of the potential for deception? Share this article to help others stay informed and protected.Leave a comment with your thoughts or experiences.
