San Diego, CA – In a shocking case of fraud, a federal grand jury has indicted three individuals for allegedly swindling over 800 elderly authors out of more than $44 million. The scam, orchestrated through a company called PageTurner, Press and Media LLC, preyed on the aspirations of writers by falsely promising lucrative publishing deals and movie adaptations.
According to the indictment, the perpetrators lured victims with the dream of seeing their books transformed into Hollywood blockbusters. They claimed to have connections with major publishing houses, film studios, and streaming giants, offering a tantalizing glimpse of fame and fortune. However, these promises were nothing more than a carefully constructed illusion designed to extract exorbitant fees from unsuspecting authors.
The Masterminds Behind the Scam
The alleged ringleader, Gemma Traya Austin, 58, of Chula Vista, California, was the registered agent for PageTurner. Her accomplices, Michael Cris Traya Sordilla, 32, and Bryan Navales Tarosa, 34, both from the Philippines, operated Innocentrix Philippines, a business process outsourcing company that played a crucial role in the scheme.
The indictment alleges that between September 2017 and December 2024, the defendants contacted authors through unsolicited calls and emails, posing as representatives of PageTurner. They falsely claimed that the victims’ works had been selected for publication or adaptation, but required upfront payments for various services, including “pre-payment of taxes and transaction fees.”
These fabricated charges were simply a means to siphon money from the hopeful authors, who often poured their life savings into the fraudulent venture. The FBI has identified over 800 victims who collectively lost more than $44 million.
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Justice Takes Action
Following a thorough investigation by the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service, the three defendants were arrested in December 2024. Sordilla and Tarosa were apprehended in San Diego, while Austin was arrested in Chula Vista. All three face charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy, with potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison and hefty fines.
“What started with the promise of a Hollywood dream turned into a devastating nightmare for victims,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Authors should stay vigilant, do their research, and think twice before giving money to anyone promising a blockbuster deal. If you or anyone you know has been targeted in a similar scheme, please report it to the FBI immediately.”
Protecting Vulnerable Authors
This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals to sophisticated fraud schemes. The perpetrators deliberately targeted older authors, exploiting their dreams and trust to line their own pockets.
“As alleged, the defendants’ actions not only jeopardized the integrity of the publishing industry, but also took advantage of innocent professionals and defrauded them of their hard-earned money,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “Fraud remains one of the most devastating violations the FBI works due to the number of victims and staggering amount of loss. We will continue our efforts to disrupt fraud schemes, educate the public, and ultimately hold individuals behind these schemes accountable.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service echoed these sentiments, emphasizing their commitment to protecting older Americans from such predatory schemes. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service San Diego Mail Fraud Team, along with the FBI San Diego, have worked tirelessly to bring justice to individuals who target, exploit, and victimize our most vulnerable citizens,” said Matt Shields, Inspector in Charge for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s San Diego Field Office. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains firm in our commitment to disrupt and dismantle foreign-based fraud schemes that prey on our older Americans. We will continue to work side by side with our law enforcement partners to deter and defeat organized fraud rings, no matter where they are located.”
A Call for Vigilance
This case serves as a stark reminder for authors, particularly those in their later years, to exercise caution when approached with unsolicited publishing or adaptation offers. It is crucial to conduct thorough research, verify the legitimacy of any company or individual making such claims, and never pay upfront fees before a contract is signed and legal counsel is consulted.
Resources for Victims
The FBI has established a dedicated email address for victims of the PageTurner scam: [email address removed]. Additionally, the National Elder Fraud Hotline provides support and assistance to individuals aged 60 and older who have fallen victim to financial fraud. The hotline can be reached at 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). Victims can also report fraud to their local law enforcement agency or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
Key Takeaways:
- Beware of Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails promising publishing or movie deals.
- Do Your Research: Thoroughly investigate any company or individual offering such opportunities.
- Never Pay Upfront Fees: Legitimate publishers and agents rarely require upfront payments.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult an attorney before signing any contracts or making financial commitments.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraud, report it to the FBI or your local law enforcement agency.
This case is a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating fraud and protecting vulnerable individuals. It also underscores the importance of public awareness and vigilance in preventing such schemes from succeeding.
