Two Florida residents have been taken into custody in Pennsylvania after a multi-state credit card fraud scheme that defrauded more than $22,000. Olivia Jean Baptiste, 24, of West Park, Florida, and Michael Rampal, 29, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, were arrested near Harrisburg on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. The pair are expected to face charges of credit card fraud, theft and conspiracy in New Jersey.
Arrest and Immediate Aftermath
The arrest came after investigators learned that Baptiste and Rampal had rented a vehicle from a business located near Harrisburg. During a routine traffic stop, police arrested the couple on an unrelated drug charge. A search of the rental vehicle revealed a large sum of money and 68 gift cards that authorities believe were obtained through the use of stolen credit card information. Police also recovered 11 cell phones and a laptop computer from the vehicle.
The Fraud Scheme
According to New Jersey law enforcement officials, the pair impersonated bank team members during phone calls, using a cell-phone application to disguise their numbers so the calls appeared to come from banks. In those calls, they claimed victims’ bank accounts were compromised and needed verification of account information. To carry out the scheme, the couple rented vehicles in Florida and traveled to the New Jersey area. Once they obtained enough information from victims, they accessed the victims’ accounts and transferred funds to gift cards they purchased at dollar stores across the region. Police say the pair used fraudulently obtained funds to purchase high-end items at a Best Buy store in Vineland, NJ.
Evidence and Investigation
The evidence seized during the arrest supports the allegations that the couple executed a coordinated fraud operation. The large sum of money found in the rental vehicle, the 68 gift cards, and the 11 cell phones and laptop all point to a systematic effort to siphon credit-card funds. Police believe the total amount defrauded from victims exceeds $22,000. The recovered devices may contain records of the calls, account details, and transaction logs that will be used to build the case against the defendants.
Current Status and Next Steps
Baptiste and Rampal are currently held in Pennsylvania while authorities prepare for extradition to New Jersey. Once transferred, they will face the charges outlined by New Jersey law enforcement officials. The extradition process will involve coordination between state agencies and the federal court system to ensure the defendants are brought before a New Jersey judge.
Impact on Victims and the Community
The scheme targeted unsuspecting consumers, exploiting their trust in banking institutions. The use of phone-call impersonation and disguised numbers created a false sense of security, prompting victims to provide sensitive information. The defrauded amount of more than $22,000 represents a significant financial loss for the individuals involved, and the case highlights the ongoing threat of sophisticated credit-card fraud operations that span multiple states.
Key Takeaways
- Olivia Jean Baptiste (24) and Michael Rampal (29) were arrested near Harrisburg on Dec. 18, 2025, and face extradition to New Jersey.
- The pair used phone-call impersonation and a disguised-number app to trick victims into revealing account information.
- Evidence recovered includes a large sum of money, 68 gift cards, 11 cell phones, and a laptop, supporting allegations of more than $22,000 in fraud.
The arrest underscores the importance of vigilance against sophisticated fraud tactics and the need for cross-state cooperation in prosecuting financial crimes.
