ORLANDO, Fla. – A quick-thinking bank teller in Central Florida is receiving praise for preventing a fraud attempt that could have led a 71-year-old man to lose a significant amount of money.

Orlando police reported that on Monday morning, suspicions arose at the SouthState Bank on South Orange Avenue when an employee suspected a customer was trying to cash an illegitimate check.

Authorities stated that 51-year-old Juan Viera-Castro tried to cash a check worth nearly $25,000, claiming it was payment for construction work he had done, which prompted the attentive bank teller to alert the police.

The arrest report detailed that police contacted the senior account holder by phone. The man explained to them that he was under the impression he had been in communication with the Federal Trade Commission, who he said directed him to issue two checks just shy of $25,000 each.

Attorney and legal analyst David Haas said the quick action by the teller likely saved the victim from a serious financial loss.

“That branch manager is certainly going to appreciate their diligent teller,” commented Haas. “Bank tellers receive training to identify fraudulent activities and suspicious behavior.”

Haas noted that state law includes added protections for victims 65 and older.

“Older adults are evidently more vulnerable, which is the reason behind protective laws for those over 65,” Haas informed. “The state aims to apply enhanced protections in such cases.”

Police said Viera-Castro was arrested and faces charges of felony theft from a person 65 or older. Jail records show he has since bonded out.

News 6 reached out to the 71-year-old victim by phone and text message but has not received a response.