A New York resident has admitted to participating in a fraudulent scheme known as the "grandparent scam," which was operated from call centers in the Dominican Republic. Victor Anthony Valdez, aged 40, from the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy charges in the District of New Jersey.
According to court documents, Valdez served as a courier for the scam between August 2020 and August 2021. The operation involved contacting elderly Americans and impersonating their grandchildren or legal representatives. Victims were deceived into believing their grandchildren needed financial assistance for bail or other legal expenses. Valdez was responsible for collecting cash from victims' homes in New York and New Jersey.
Valdez was employed by the Social Security Administration at the time of his involvement in this criminal activity. He now faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 upon sentencing scheduled for April 9, 2025.
Brian Boynton, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General
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"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 like the one in which the defendant here participated," stated Brian M. Boynton, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department's Civil Division.
U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger emphasized that Valdez exploited grandparents' love for their grandchildren: "The defendant admitted today to his role in a scam targeting vulnerable seniors."
Acting Inspector General Hannibal "Mike" Ware highlighted that many victims were Social Security beneficiaries living on fixed incomes: "Mr. Valdez intentionally conspired to defraud the elderly of their money and property through a cruel, international grandparent scam."
The case is being investigated by both the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution team includes Trial Attorney Joshua Ferrentino along with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Silane and Alison Thompson.
For those affected by similar scams, support is available through the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311), providing personalized assistance Monday through Friday.
Additional resources regarding elder fraud can be found on various platforms including www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch and www.ovc.gov.