A group of scammers from the Dominican Republic were able to con elderly victims out of $35 million by impersonating their grandchildren and other relatives, claiming to be in urgent need of money for various reasons. These fraudsters targeted victims between the ages of 72 and 93 in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. The scam usually involved a phone call from a supposed relative in distress, such as being in a car accident or getting arrested, and the victims would then hand over money to help. Once the money was given, it was almost impossible to recover.
The scammers would use emotional manipulation tactics to convince the elderly victims to give them money, such as pretending to cry and professing love and trust for the victim. In one instance, an 87-year-old woman almost fell victim to a scammer posing as her sister’s grandson who needed bail money after an arrest. Fortunately, law enforcement was able to intervene before any money was exchanged. The scammers also employed a second person, known as a “closer,” who would call pretending to be a defense attorney, police officer, or court personnel, demanding additional money for nonexistent fees.
Eleven men from the Dominican Republic were charged with various crimes related to the scam, including mail and wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and money laundering. These individuals operated out of call centers in Santiago de los Caballeros. Additionally, five individuals from New York City were charged as cash couriers for the scam operation. Commissioner Edward A. Caban of the NYPD highlighted the importance of protecting older populations from fraud and financial exploitation, acknowledging the depravity of targeting vulnerable individuals for financial gain.
Law enforcement is committed to protecting older individuals from falling victim to scams like this. If someone over 60 years old has been defrauded, they can reach out to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 for assistance. The indictments and charges brought against the scammers are a step towards holding them accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for the victims who were defrauded. The emotional manipulation tactics used by these scammers highlight the need for awareness and education about common scams. It is important for people to verify the identity of callers and be wary of requests for money, especially when they involve urgent or distressing situations.
