Three Indicted and Internet Domain Seized in $44 Million Nationwide Book Publishing Scam Targeting Elderly Authors

Press Release

SAN DIEGO - A federal grand jury has charged three people with defrauding elderly authors across the United States of almost $44 million by convincing the victims that publishers and filmmakers wanted to turn their books into blockbusters - but only if they paid some fees first.

According to the indictment, Gemma Traya Austin of Chula Vista was the organizer and registered agent for PageTurner, Press and Media LLC ("PageTurner"), a Chula Vista company that claimed to be a book publishing business. Michael Cris Traya Sordilla and Bryan Navales Tarosa, both of the Philippines, were executives at Innocentrix Philippines, a business process outsourcing company.

The indictment alleges that between September 2017 and December 2024, the defendants used PageTurner to operate a book publishing scam in which the conspirators working for Innocentrix Philippines contacted individual authors through unsolicited calls and emails. As part of the scam, the conspirators falsely represented that PageTurner was a book publishing business that worked with literary agents, major motion picture studios, and popular video streaming services, and that PageTurner acted as a liaison between individuals who sought to publish their books or have their books turned into motion pictures or television series.

As part of the conspiracy, the scammers falsely told victims their works had been selected for acquisition by publishers or movie studios, and fraudulently convinced victims to send PageTurner payments for various services, including pre-payment of taxes and transaction fees, before the victim-author's work could be published or optioned to studios.

According to statements made by prosecutors in court, the FBI identified more than 800 victims of the scheme who collectively lost more than $44 million.

Sordilla and Tarosa were arrested on December 9, 2024, in San Diego. Austin was arrested on December 12, 2024, in Chula Vista. All three are charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. The FBI also seized the PageTurner website: pageturner.us.

"What started with the promise of a Hollywood dream turned into a devastating nightmare for victims," said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. "Authors should stay vigilant, do their research, and think twice before giving money to anyone promising a blockbuster deal. If you or anyone you know has been targeted in a similar scheme, please report it to the FBI immediately."

"As alleged, the defendants' actions not only jeopardized the integrity of the publishing industry, but also took advantage of innocent professionals and defrauded them of their hard-earned money," said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. "Fraud remains one of the most devastating violations the FBI works due to the number of victims and staggering amount of loss. We will continue our efforts to disrupt fraud schemes, educate the public, and ultimately hold individuals behind these schemes accountable."

"The U.S. Postal Inspection Service San Diego Mail Fraud Team, along with the FBI San Diego, have worked tirelessly to bring justice to individuals who target, exploit, and victimize our most vulnerable citizens," said Matt Shields, Inspector in Charge for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's San Diego Field Office. "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains firm in our commitment to disrupt and dismantle foreign-based fraud schemes that prey on our older Americans. We will continue to work side by side with our law enforcement partners to deter and defeat organized fraud rings, no matter where they are located."

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

If you believe you are a victim of the PageTurner scam, please contact the FBI at [email protected].

If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available through the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). You can also report fraud to any local law enforcement agency or on the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

DEFENDANTS Case Number 24CR2712-JLS

Gemma Traya Austin Age: 58 Chula Vista, CA

In custody. Arrested in Chula Vista, California, on December 12, 2024.

Michael Cris Traya Sordilla Age: 32 Philippines

In custody. Arrested in San Diego, California, on December 9, 2024.

Bryan Navales Tarosa Age: 34 Philippines

In custody. Arrested in San Diego, California, on December 9, 2024.

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1349

Maximum Penalties: Twenty years in prison; $250,000 fine

Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)

Maximum Penalties: Twenty years in prison; maximum fine of $500,000 or twice the amount laundered

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Federal Bureau of Investigation

United States Postal Inspection Service

Contact

Updated January 15, 2025