Lynn Man Charged in Bank Impersonation Scam
A brazen bank impersonation scheme has landed a Lynn man behind bars, with authorities alleging he orchestrated a series of fraudulent transactions that netted over $640,000. Antonio Niati, 28, is accused of directing co-conspirators to impersonate bank customers at a Santander Bank branch in Dorchester.
According to the indictment, in April 2017, Niati directed his co-conspirators to conduct fraudulent transactions in victim bank accounts. The scheme allegedly involved using fraudulent driver’s licenses to impersonate bank customers, and paying a bank teller to facilitate the transactions.
The indictment alleges that Niati and his co-conspirators fraudulently withdrew over $640,000 from the accounts of bank customers. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.
Niati was arrested today and will appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil J. Gallagher Jr. of U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling’s Economic Crimes Unit.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations, and Niati is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
As authorities continue to investigate the extent of the scheme, one thing is clear: Niati’s alleged actions have left a trail of financial devastation in their wake.
The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office are urging anyone with information about the scheme to come forward. In the meantime, Niati remains behind bars, awaiting his day in court.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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