CAPE CORAL, Fla. — A Cape Coral couple faces serious fraud charges, having allegedly orchestrated a crime spree spanning from the sunny shores of Florida to the picturesque peaks of Colorado. The couple, Philip and Nicole Scolaro, stands accused of deceiving two women from Colorado out of more than $4 million, leaving a trail of financial ruin in their wake.
Cape Coral Couple Accused in Crime Spree
According to the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, which is prosecuting the case, the Scolaros purportedly convinced their victims that they possessed ownership of a lucrative gold mine in Africa, a ruse that echoed nearly two thousand miles away. In Fort Myers, an RV broker named Jonas Sims found himself ensnared by the couple’s charm in May 2022.
At first, they seemed warm, inviting, almost too good to be true. “They came off as very kind individuals. Very heartfelt. I immediately felt comfortable with them,” Sims shared, describing his initial impressions of the couple. With over 15 years of experience in the RV brokerage industry as the founder of Mada Motorhome Brokerage, Inc., he followed his usual protocols. This included a thorough income verification process.
“I did an extra step just for my due diligence. And there was money in the account,” Sims recounted, confidently stating that everything appeared legitimate. The Scolaros handed over $101,000 in cash for the RV, and the transaction unfolded without any hints of irregularity.
However, like many captivating stories, the truth sometimes lies hidden beneath layers of deceit. What Sims didn’t realize was that just a month later, in June of 2022, the Scolaros were allegedly involved in scamming a woman out of her Colorado home. They sought investors for a supposed operation designed to extract, secure, and transport gold from their claimed mine, a venture that never bore fruit for those who invested. Instead, prosecutors allege the couple misused the funds for personal expenditures.
Law enforcement caught up with the Scolaros, arresting them in October at their Cape Coral residence on an out-of-state warrant, marking a turning point in their purported crime spree.
Under the weight of multiple fraud allegations, Philip Scolaro’s past paints a troubling picture. His record includes numerous fraud and theft accusations across various states, including serious felony charges in St. Lucie County. He has faced similar legal troubles in New York and Florida, previously serving five years in prison for grand theft in Clay County. Released in 2017, it wasn’t long before he crossed paths with unsuspecting victims.
Sims, having invested in what he believed was a ground-breaking opportunity, described his growing friendship with the couple after their initial RV transaction. “He told me that he had a gold mine in Africa,” Sims said, reflecting on the conversation that led to an enticing partnership. They discussed a proposal: invest $100,000 for a chance to earn back $500,000 within six months. With proof of substantial funds supposedly available, Sims felt reassured, believing his investment was secure.
But now, with his money vanished like mirages in the desert, he feels the weight of betrayal. The Scolaros remain out of contact, their plans unraveling as the legal system prepares to challenge them. Both have arraignments scheduled for their Colorado charges in early February, coinciding with Philip’s court date in St. Lucie County.
Sims, driven by concern for others, stated, “I don’t want him doing this to anyone else. If he could get me, he could get the majority of the people out there. It’s really scary.” The dread of being victimized by someone who appeared to be a friend lingers, a poignant reminder that trust can often be the gateway to deception.
