As technology advances, so do the tactics of scammers who prey on unsuspecting victims online. One such scam has recently come to light, involving individuals named Steve Reneau and Robert Byrtus, who have been targeting seniors and defrauding them of their hard-earned money through deceitful schemes. This article aims to shed light on this online scam and raise awareness to protect potential victims.
The masterminds behind this scam, Steve Reneau and Robert Byrtus, have been operating under various aliases and have been associated with several other individuals involved in this elaborate fraud. Steve Reneau, also known as “the Insect,” is a convicted felon and illegal alien who has been protected by the criminal justice system despite his fraudulent activities. Robert Byrtus, who goes by aliases such as Tag Byrtus, Frank Taggart, Robert Rucki, Steve Taggart, and Bob Legerski, is known for filing false income tax statements and manipulating victims into providing money for offshore accounts.
The scam begins with Reneau and Byrtus convincing victims, particularly seniors, that they are involved in a confidential court case. They promise victims that they will receive a substantial return on their investment, usually five times the amount they provide, but in reality, they are swindling victims out of their money. They use various tactics to manipulate victims, including providing medication, sharing stories about people being killed, and even resorting to physical harm. Victims often end up losing significant amounts of money, and their credit and financial security are jeopardized.
In addition to financial loss, victims of this online scam have reported other forms of harm. Byrtus, while staying at victims’ homes, has been known to access their computers, home files, and sign legal documents without their knowledge. Victims have also reported losing their homes, retirement savings, and experiencing long-lasting damage to their credit. The psychological and emotional impact of falling victim to such a scam is also significant, with victims feeling violated, helpless, and fearful of the scammers.
Despite the victims’ efforts to seek justice through the criminal justice system, Steve Reneau and Robert Byrtus have continued to evade the consequences of their actions. They have set up bogus offshore businesses, including Jaguar Offshore Services, Inc., and Safeway Offshore Services, Inc., to funnel money to Belize and other individuals involved in their fraudulent activities.
It is crucial for the public, especially seniors, to be vigilant and cautious when engaging in any online financial transactions or investment opportunities. Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to online scams:
- Research thoroughly: Before investing or providing money to any individual or business, conduct extensive research. Check for their credentials, reviews, and any red flags.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages that promise high returns or confidential opportunities. Verify the legitimacy of such offers through reliable sources.
- Keep personal information secure: Avoid sharing personal information, such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card details, unless you are sure about the legitimacy of the request.
- Stay updated: Stay informed about the latest online scams and fraud tactics. Keep yourself updated on the types of scams that are prevalent and learn how to identify warning signs.
- Seek professional advice: If you are unsure about any investment opportunity or financial transaction, seek advice from a trusted financial professional or legal expert.
- Report suspicious activity: If you suspect that you have been targeted or have fallen victim to an online scam, report it immediately to the relevant authorities, such as law enforcement agencies, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Bottom Line
The story of an experience with online scammers Steve Reneau and Robert Taggart Byrtus is a sobering reminder of the dangers that seniors and other vulnerable individuals face in the digital world. These fraudsters used various aliases, fabricated a “Confidential Court Case,” manipulated tax filings, gained unauthorized access to personal information, and caused significant financial and emotional harm.
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This case highlights the need for increased awareness and education about online scams, especially among seniors who may be more susceptible to these schemes. It’s crucial for individuals to be cautious and verify the authenticity of any online requests for personal information or financial transactions. It’s also important to never share sensitive information, such as social security numbers or bank account numbers, without thorough verification.
If you suspect that you or a loved one has fallen victim to an online scam, it’s important to report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or local law enforcement. Taking immediate action can help prevent further damage and increase the chances of apprehending the scammers.
In conclusion, this story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online scams and the devastating impact they can have on individuals, especially seniors. By staying vigilant, being cautious, and reporting suspicious activities, we can work together to protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling prey to online fraudsters.
We’re providing the full report by the victim below, who overall lost $450,000 and their home to this scam:
A. (70 years old) has been a victim of fraud and identity theft perpetrated by Steve Reneau and Robert Taggart Byrtus.
Steven Anthony Reneau, whose last known address is Hollywood, FL, Miami, FL, and Belize, Central America, uses alias names such as Anthony Reneault and “the Insect.”
Robert Taggart Byrtus, whose last known address is Casselberry, Orlando, and Altamonte Springs, FL, Miami Gardens, FL, uses alias names such as Tag Byrtus, Frank Taggart, Robert Rucki, Steve Taggart, and Bob Legerski.
They are associated with individuals such as Francis Gegg in Belize, Central America, Charmaine Burke Reneau (wife), Shermariah Reneau, Henry Chew, Larry Mitchell, Wendall Lamar Crawford, Dexter Hunt, and Mahan Kalpa Khalsa in Altamonte Springs, FL.
They scam people by falsely claiming to be involved in a “Confidential Court Case,” which was featured on NBC News Miami about Steve Reneau not being deported, despite being a convicted felon and illegal alien.
Robert Byrtus handles victims’ taxes and files false income tax statements, and the money stolen or borrowed from victims is put into offshore accounts. They promise victims five times more money than what they provide willingly or unwillingly. A. has voice recordings and handwritten notes with bank account numbers and phone information, as well as receipts that Robert Byrtus tried to discard but she kept. Steve Reneau even admitted on a voice recording, “I have nothing to do with him drugging you.”
During Robert Taggart Byrtus’s stay at A.’s home, he accessed her computers, home files, signed legal documents, used her credit cards, and opened and hid her mail without her knowledge.
A. was unaware of these problems until Robert Byrtus left her home and left a shoebox filled with her mail in a closet for her to find. She also lost her home of 15 years, retirement money, and her credit was ruined.
She fears Robert Byrtus, who would go to any lengths to get money from people, including giving them medicine, telling stories about people being killed, and resorting to violence when more money was not provided. She suffered physical harm, as well as her dogs. She was frequently sick and experienced coughing and vomiting. Robert Byrtus left after reading her daughter’s email threatening to alert authorities about his fraud if she didn’t take matters into her own hands. He left during the night of October 14, 2016, after giving her a copy of a handwritten letter by an inmate that Steve Reneau knew, named Glen Rogers #124400 P-5102. Steve Reneau is a convicted felon and not a citizen of the United States of America, yet he is being protected while A., a US-born citizen, is not.
Steve Reneau and Robert Byrtus have two offshore businesses, Jaguar Offshore Services, Inc., and Safeway Offshore Services, Inc., both of which the Lake County Sheriff Department has determined to be bogus. All the money was sent to Belize and other individuals involved in this elaborate scam. According to Steve Reneau’s daughter, they have been targeting seniors for the past 15 years.
A. feels that the Criminal Justice System has failed her by protecting Steve Reneau, his partners, and his wife Charmaine, despite Steve Reneau being in the country illegally and involved with the Brown Drug cartel. She is discouraged by the fact that these criminals continue to get away with their actions and even boast about it on Facebook, with statements like “Has the Insect stung anyone lately?” written by Francis Gegg and response from Steve Anthony Reneau. I photographed the statement.
Edmund Burke Quotes:
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”
“Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.”
Thank you, and God bless America!
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