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Telemarketing Scam Targets Elderly, Generates $20M
In a shocking case of deception, nineteen individuals have been charged with various crimes related to a fraudulent telemarketing enterprise that preyed on the elderly, generating over $20 million in sales.
The scheme, which operated across the United States and Canada, sold false and fictitious business opportunities under multiple business names and entities. The Phoenix, Arizona-based telemarketing enterprise, Smart Business Pros LLC of Warson Woods, Missouri, was at the center of the scam.
The defendants, including Michael McNeill, Joshua Flynn, Timothy Murphy, Shawn Casey, Thomas Silha, Jennifer Hansen, Dean Miller, Michael Silver, John Balleweg, Donald Schnock, Ashley Powell, Scott Shocklee, Jason Gallagher, Andre Devoe, Bruce Doll, Anthony Swiantek, Philip Hale, Cybill Osterman, and Brian Phillips, are alleged to have committed multiple offenses, including conspiracy to commit mail, wire, and bank fraud; wire fraud; mail fraud; bank fraud; money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to the indictment, the telemarketing enterprise targeted vulnerable individuals, often elderly, with false promises of business opportunities. The scam generated significant profits, with sales exceeding $20 million.
Assistant United States Attorney Charles Birmingham is handling the case, which is being investigated by the Office of the Arizona Attorney General, United States Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Charges in an indictment are mere accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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