- 19-year-old woman allegedly outed herself in a Facebook “attempt to identify” post.
- Accused of multiple counts of credit card fraud and theft.
- Over $500 in fraudulent purchases traced to Palm Coast stores.
- Sheriff credits social media for helping solve the case.
- Suspect released on $4,000 bond after her arrest.
A Florida woman’s attempt to clear her name backfired when she allegedly admitted to being the suspect in a sheriff’s Facebook post about a credit card theft.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, 19-year-old Brynn Gifford has been charged with fraudulent use of personal identification information of a person 60 years of age or older, fraudulent use of a credit card more than twice in six months, and petit theft.
The case began on August 9, when deputies launched a fraud investigation following a complaint from a customer at Palm Nails, a salon in Palm Coast, roughly 60 miles southeast of Jacksonville. The victim said she lost her credit card during an appointment on August 6 and later discovered ten unauthorized transactions totaling more than $500 at various stores and restaurants across Palm Coast according to press release.
Detectives reviewing surveillance footage saw a woman with “long dark hair” and a “white camouflage jacket” using the stolen card but initially had little else to go on.
On September 23, investigators posted a low-resolution image on Facebook asking the public to help identify the suspect. Within hours, the case took a surprising turn.
“Later that day, detectives were notified that a woman had called the Flagler County Emergency Communications Center and advised that she was the individual in the photo and asked to speak with detectives working on the case,” the sheriff’s office said.
When detectives met Gifford, she initially denied any wrongdoing. But after being shown surveillance footage, one clip reportedly from Walmart showing her buying notebooks and pens she allegedly admitted it was her in the videos. Investigators said her backpack contained items that matched those seen in the footage.
Further checks revealed Gifford worked at the same nail salon where the victim’s credit card had gone missing.
A warrant for her arrest was issued on October 15, and she was booked into the Volusia County Correctional Facility in Daytona Beach the following day. She was later released on a $4,000 bond.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly praised the role of digital engagement in solving the case. “This case is a great example of the power of social media and how it can help law enforcement,” he said. “Less than a day after we posted the suspect’s photo looking for more information, she came forward to speak to our detectives. Of course, her bad decision landed her in jail on multiple felony charges, but at least she ultimately did the right thing.”
The incident highlights how social media monitoring, credit card fraud prevention, and digital forensics continue to play key roles in modern law enforcement investigations.
