New York Man Charged in Connection with Transnational ‘Grandparent Scam’
A New York man, Victor Anthony Valdez, 39, of the Bronx, was charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy for his role in a transnational ‘grandparent scam’ that targeted elderly Americans.
According to the indictment, unsealed today in Newark, New Jersey, the scam operated from call centers in the Dominican Republic, making phone calls to elderly American victims purporting to be the victim’s grandchild, an attorney representing the grandchild in criminal proceedings, court personnel or other persons associated with the legal system.
Coconspirators told the victims that their grandchildren had been arrested and needed cash for bail or other expenses. Once victims were convinced through lies and falsehoods, coconspirators instructed the victims to provide cash to couriers, including Valdez, who went to victims’ homes to pick up the money.
While acting as a courier for the scam between August 2020 and August 2021, Valdez is alleged to have retrieved, or attempted to retrieve, tens of thousands of dollars from defrauded victims at their homes in New York and New Jersey.
“The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and its law enforcement partners will vigorously pursue individuals who prey on vulnerable and elderly victims through fraudulent schemes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton.
“If convicted, Valdez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000,” according to the indictment.
SSA’s Office of the Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Victim’s who have fallen victim to similar scams can contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311) for assistance.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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