Pinellas County Consumer Protection investigation leads to criminal charges

Pinellas County Consumer Protection’s investigation into two individuals who defrauded more than 100 consumers across the United States recently led to criminal charges and over $1 million in restitution ordered for their victims.

Between October 2017 and November 2020, Marvin Scott and Chamera Bowman operated a series of telemarketing businesses in Pinellas County called Nationwide Listings, Elite Property Listings Corp and Worldwide Property Listings LLC. Investigators discovered the defendants solicited victims from 37 states who owned vacant properties claiming to have buyers ready to purchase their land.

In 2022, Scott and Bowman were charged with scheme to defraud, and Scott was also charged with money laundering by the State Attorney’s Office. Scott and Bowman recently pled guilty to these charges and were ordered to pay a total of $1,037,240 in restitution. Scott was ordered to 15 years of probation after paying an initial $50,000 restitution to the victims and ordered to pay a minimum of $12,000 a year, while Bowman received a 12-year prison sentence. The prosecution efforts were led by Assistant State Attorney Anthony Bradlow.

“These individuals lured victims with false promises, which can be financially and emotionally devastating,” said Doug Templeton, Chief Investigator for Pinellas County Consumer Protection. “We urge consumers to be cautious whenever they are solicited by telephone from individuals seeking payment for any services.” Pinellas County Consumer Protection, with the help of valued partners, continues to protect the interests of consumers and legitimate businesses. If you believe that you have been defrauded or wish to report a scam, call (727) 464-6200 or file a complaint online.