BROOKLYN — Two New Jersey men have been indicted for allegedly orchestrating a fraud scheme targeting elderly women, stealing nearly $400,000 by pretending to be government agents and bank officials.
According to Brooklyn prosecutors, 31-year-old Abhishek Barvalia and 32-year-old Tushar Barvalia, both of Rutherford, contacted victims aged between 76 and 90, falsely claiming their bank accounts had been compromised.
The victims were persuaded to send cashier’s checks or wire funds under the pretense of moving the money to “safe” accounts. One woman reportedly sent $171,000 in a single day, while others were misled into sending large sums after being targeted by fraudulent pop-up messages or scam phone calls.
Authorities say the suspects exploited their victims’ fears and trust to carry out the scheme. The indictment charges the Barvalia brothers with multiple counts related to wire fraud and impersonation.
Officials are reminding the public — particularly seniors — to verify any calls or online messages claiming to be from government or financial institutions and to never send money without confirming the source.
