Irfan Gill Charged with International Telemarketing Fraud

A Portage man has been charged with international telemarketing fraud that targeted elderly victims across the United States, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten. Irfan Gill, 62, faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Gill is accused of working with a call center in Pakistan as part of a telemarketing fraud scheme that targeted seniors across the country. The scheme, which operated for years, victimized over 1,400 people nationwide.

According to the indictment, Gill claimed to operate several businesses, including Cable Upgrade, D Network, D Tech, Direct Network, Dish, Dish Upgrade, and Sky Satellite. Telephone solicitors at the call center in Pakistan cold-called victims with offers of equipment upgrades, software upgrades, and subscription discounts for their cable television, satellite television, and internet services.

While the businesses did not actually provide any of those services, callers instructed victims to send payments to Gill’s post office boxes in Portage. Gill deposited victims’ payments in his bank accounts and used money transfer services like Remitly and Western Union to pay a portion of the proceeds to the telephone solicitors in Pakistan.

U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said, ‘As we have alleged, defendant Irfan Gill ran an international network to exploit America’s seniors. These scams are not going away and so we need to remain vigilant. Be cautious when you receive an unsolicited contact or offer. Resist the pressure to act quickly. Never send personally identifiable information or anything of value to unverified people or businesses.’

Gill faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of a telemarketing fraud that targeted or victimized 10 or more people over the age of 55. He faces up to 20 years in prison for the money laundering charges.

U.S. Attorney Totten’s office is working to identify other individuals who may have been victimized by sending payments to the post office boxes listed below:

P.O. Box 122, Portage, Michigan 49024

P.O. Box 404, Portage, Michigan 49024

P.O. Box 421, Portage, Michigan 49024

P.O. Box 482, Portage, Michigan 49024

P.O. Box 1164, Portage, Michigan 49024

P.O. Box 1562, Portage, Michigan 49024

Businesses involved in the scheme include:

Cable Upgrade

D Network

D Tech

Direct Network

Dish

Dish Upgrade

Sky Satellite

If you believe you are a victim in this case, please visit this page or contact Kathy Schuette at (616) 456-2222.