Cinco Ranch Sting Operation Uncovers Fake CPR Card Ring; Sheriff Asks Residents to Review Cards

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

October 14, 2021

By Natalie Cook Clark

An individual in Cinco Ranch has been arrested and charged with selling fraudulent CPR paper cards. Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office received a tip and launched an investigation with an undercover officer. Sheriff Fagan asks people with suspicious cards to come forward as it is a “matter of life and death.”

Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan addressed media and public today regarding the fraudulent CPR card case in Cinco Ranch.

Cinco Ranch Resident Arrested Selling Fraudulent CPR Cards

Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan applauded the work of the county’s division of fraud and special crimes unit after a successful sting operation resulted in the arrest of a Cinco Ranch resident who had been selling fake CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) paper cards since 2014.

An Undercover Officer used in Sting Operation

Detectives arrested the suspect, Ubadire Sampson Anosike, who is responsible for issuing the fraudulent certifications, and seized business records in this subject’s possession.

“We used an undercover officer to go to the residence and purchase a card,” says Lt. Rodney Glendening. “The officer was in the house less than 10 minutes and received no instruction or literature.”

Lt. Glendening said that the card was made and produced in the Cinco Ranch house for $65 and this operation has been going on since 2014 with the suspect having no certification or credentials.

Anosike was released from the Fort Bend County Jail on a $1,000 bond and has been charged with Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identification Information, which is a State Jail Felony punishable by up to two years in State Jail and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Fort Bend County Resident, Nurse Raised Concern

Fort Bend County resident and nurse Erica Washington reached out to Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office a month ago when she learned that her professional instructorship was being used in a fraudulent manner.

“It makes me feel safe and they really listened to me and I know they have bigger fish to fry,” says Washington, who is a nurse and a business owner of a company that teaches CPR.

“These people may not be able to help save lives,” stresses Washington.

“If you received a card from this individual, come forward and we will work with you,” says Sheriff Fagan. “This is a matter of life and death.”

Sheriff Fagan says that the amount of time to receive a valid CPR certificate is 2-4 hours minimum.

“If you received a paper card in less time it is fraudulent,” says Sheriff Fagan, “If we come to you, we will be pressing charges.”

Washington says that a paper card in itself should raise a red flag to both individuals and businesses.

“CPR cards are now sent electronically from the instructor,” she says. “A paper card should raise a red flag.”

While the case is still under investigation, Sheriff Fagan says that at least 200 fake cards are known to have been issued, but that number could be as high as in the thousands.

While the home of this operation was taking place in Cinco Ranch, those who purchased the cards could be from anywhere in the area.

How To Tell if Your Card Is Fake

Did you receive training and literature?
Do you only have a paper card? All certifications are now also sent electronically.
Is Erica Washington's name used on your card?

The FBCSO Fraud Unit cautions employers who are relying on CPR certifications issued by a company named Flex Medical Services of Katy, Texas that the certifications may have been fraudulently issued. While other legitimate businesses may operate under similar names, employers relying upon such certifications under this name are asked to contact Detective Jason Bell at 281-341-4633 or via emai.

“In the age of health care fraud, this type of crime can happen anywhere, including Fort Bend County,” says Sheriff Fagan. "“We urge the public to protect themselves from being a victim and be aware of healthcare-related certification and insurance fraud. It could save countless livesand businesses.”