The FBI has arrested Luis Rodriguez, 34, for allegedly scamming elderly individuals out of nearly $50,000 between June 2024 and January 2025. The fraud scheme involved using rideshare companies to collect money from victims, particularly targeting grandparents.
Kevin Rojek, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Pittsburgh office, confirmed the arrest, explaining that Rodriguez paid for the rideshare fares and then picked up cash from the victims. Surveillance photos, presented in a federal criminal complaint, show Rodriguez collecting the money from a vehicle before walking away.
After obtaining the money, Rodriguez wired the funds to an overseas account in the Dominican Republic. According to investigators, drivers transported packages of cash to Ohio, where Rodriguez collected them at a Sheetz gas station.
The criminal complaint identifies at least five victims from the region, who collectively lost nearly $50,000. Despite the differing locations, Rodriguez employed a consistent method to defraud his targets.
Rojek explained that Rodriguez, using phone calls, impersonated someone in need—often posing as a relative or attorney representing a relative in distress. This manipulation led elderly victims to hand over large sums of money.
FBI officials suspect there may be more victims and encourage them to come forward with any information. “Submit a complaint, I request you file complaints at ic3.gov,” Rojek urged the public.
Rodriguez, who was taken into custody in Cleveland two weeks ago, maintains his innocence. He is currently in Pittsburgh awaiting further legal proceedings.
