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Florida Man Charged with Operating a Grandparent Scam in the Pittsburgh Area
A 25-year-old Florida resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Adrian Orozco Perez, currently detained at the Walton County Jail in Monroe, Georgia, faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
According to the indictment, Perez traveled to the Pittsburgh area in February 2022 to execute a scheme targeting elderly victims. The scheme involved members of the conspiracy calling the victims, posing as an attorney, and falsely representing that one of the victim’s relatives had been incarcerated and needed money for bail and legal fees. Perez then posed as a courier or bail bondsman, visiting the victims at their homes, and collecting the fraudulently obtained money.
The grandparent scam, also known as the “grandparent trick,” is a common form of financial exploitation targeting vulnerable seniors. The scam often involves perpetrators posing as a grandchild or other family member in need of money for an emergency, such as bail, medical treatment, or other expenses.
Perez engaged in similar conduct in Georgia and Tennessee, further expanding the scope of his alleged crimes. The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Walton County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. An indictment is an accusation, and Perez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or messages, especially those requesting large sums of money. Seniors and their families can take steps to protect themselves by verifying the identity of callers and being wary of urgent requests for money.
As the investigation continues, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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