A federal grand jury has charged a New York man for allegedly acting as a courier in a Dominican Republic-based “grandparent scam” that targeted elderly Americans. Victor Anthony Valdez, 39, of the Bronx, faces one count of wire fraud conspiracy. The indictment, unsealed today in Newark, New Jersey, alleges that the scam operated from call centers in the Dominican Republic. These call centers made phone calls to elderly American victims pretending to be their grandchildren or associated legal personnel.
Coconspirators reportedly informed victims that their grandchildren had been arrested and needed cash for bail or other expenses. Once convinced, victims were instructed to provide cash to couriers like Valdez who would collect the money from their homes.
Between August 2020 and August 2021, Valdez is alleged to have retrieved or attempted to retrieve tens of thousands of dollars from defrauded victims 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 of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to identify perpetrators of these schemes and prioritize the pursuit of those who deliberately target vulnerable consumers, whether located in the United States or abroad.”
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey commented on the case: “The alleged perpetrators in these scams — including this defendant — target our vulnerable senior population... As alleged in this indictment, the defendant today worked as a courier, traveling to the homes of scam victims to pick up money."
Inspector General Gail S. Ennis for the Social Security Administration (SSA) added: “Mr. Valdez knowingly preyed upon the elderly for his own gain... We appreciate our law enforcement partners joining us in investigating and prosecuting these complex international scams aimed at defrauding elderly Americans.”
If convicted, Valdez could face up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by SSA’s Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Joshua Ferrentino from the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Silane for the District of New Jersey.
Individuals aged 60 or older who have experienced financial fraud can contact professionals at the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This hotline provides personalized support by assessing victim needs and identifying next steps including reporting agencies and resources available.
Further information about efforts to protect American seniors can be found on various government websites such as www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch and www.ovc.gov.
An indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.