LOS ANGELES – Five Canadian nationals are facing federal charges for allegedly running a cold-blooded, million-dollar telemarketing scam that bilked vulnerable elderly residents across Southern California. The scheme, which operated from 2013 to 2015, preyed on seniors by falsely claiming they owed money for magazine subscriptions – debts that never existed.
A federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment Friday, charging the men with conspiracy and nine counts of wire fraud. The accused are: Ahmad Eraif, 35, of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec; his brother, Mohamed Eraif, 37, of Pierrefonds, Quebec; Jonathan Massouras, 30, of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec; William Gampel, 29, of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec; and William’s brother, Kevin Gampel, 26, also of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec. They allegedly operated out of Montreal and Toronto, flooding the U.S. with deceptive phone calls.
The indictment details how the men, posing as representatives from companies like “Magazine Readers,” “Global Readers,” and “American Reader Services,” targeted elderly victims. They allegedly claimed the victims had outstanding balances on magazine subscriptions. Once a payment was made, victims believed the issue was resolved, but the scammers allegedly continued to harass them with demands for additional, fabricated debts. The tactic was simple: instill fear, collect information, and repeatedly drain bank accounts.
According to court documents, the scheme didn’t stop at false debts. The defendants allegedly threatened to ruin victims’ credit scores or pursue legal action if they refused to pay. Specific calls cited in the indictment targeted residents of Garden Grove, Ventura, Beverly Hills, and Granada Hills, demonstrating the widespread reach of the operation. The Secret Service, working alongside the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, built the case, tracing the calls and financial transactions across the border.
The total losses suffered by victims exceed $1 million, a grim testament to the scammers’ relentless pursuit of vulnerable individuals. Each count of wire fraud and conspiracy carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison – a steep penalty, but one that may offer little comfort to those who lost their life savings. Assistant United States Attorney Monica E. Tait of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting the case.
This investigation is part of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, a collaborative effort involving federal law enforcement and non-governmental organizations aimed at combating international fraud schemes targeting American seniors. The Strike Force recognizes that these scams aren’t just about money; they’re about eroding trust and exploiting the most vulnerable members of our society. The indictment serves as a warning: those who prey on the elderly will be held accountable, no matter where they operate from.”
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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