Two Men Charged in nationwide elder fraud scheme | Crime

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — Two men have been charged in a scheme that targeted elderly victims across the country, including in Arizona.

According to the Department of Justice, Ahmed Maqbul Syed, 57, and Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi, 27, were indicted on Dec. 11, on charges related to money laundering and wire fraud.

The DoJ says the two men, along with others, allegedly tricked older adults into thinking their computers were hacked by using fake pop-up warnings. Victims were then directed to fake tech support or government representatives, who convinced them to transfer or withdraw large sums of money to “protect” their accounts.

The scammers instructed victims to buy gold, withdraw cash, and even purchase gift cards or use bitcoin ATMs. Victims were told that someone would come to collect the gold and money, but they never received anything in return.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Syed has been arrested and is in custody pending trial. Both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and local law enforcement from several states. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tucson is handling the prosecution.