A Maryland man has been arrested in connection with a tech-support scam that allegedly targeted a victim for nearly $200,000 through cash payments and a planned gold bullion transfer.
According to court records, Jatin Talwar, 46, of Columbia, was arrested on March 11, 2026, in Dunkirk. He is facing felony charges of theft of $100,000 or more and theft scheme of $100,000 or more. Authorities said Talwar was taken into custody by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and is currently being held without bond. A bail review hearing was held on March 12 before Judge Andrea R. S. Watkins in the District Court for Calvert County.
Investigators began looking into the case after a man reported being targeted in a suspected tech-support scam involving large cash withdrawals and the purchase of gold bullion.
According to charging documents, the victim said he was browsing the Breitbart News website on February 26, 2026, when a pop-up appeared claiming to be from Apple Support. The message warned that his banking information had been compromised and provided a phone number to call.
After calling the number, the victim said he spoke with someone posing as an Apple Support representative before being transferred to another individual who identified himself as “Andrew Katsaros.” That caller allegedly claimed to be a member of the Federal Trade Commission.
Authorities said the caller told the victim his computer had been hacked and his bank accounts were in danger. The victim was instructed to withdraw $30,000 in cash and send photos of the money as proof.
Later that day, a masked man arrived in a white SUV and used the password “Red911,” which matched instructions given during the phone call. The victim then handed over the $30,000 in cash.
Investigators said the scammers continued contacting the victim afterward, claiming his accounts were still at risk. They allegedly directed him to purchase gold bullion valued at $163,770.95.
The victim arranged the purchase through Golden Eagle Coins in Laurel. However, employees at the business reportedly suspected the situation was a scam. They warned the victim and contacted the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives then coordinated with the victim and the coin dealer to set up an undercover operation.
According to court documents, the victim was instructed by the caller to photograph the gold shipment once it arrived. The caller allegedly claimed that “Undercover Agents” from the U.S. Treasury would collect the package.
The suspects continued calling the victim on March 10 and March 11, asking about the delivery and directing him where to meet the courier. Eventually, the meeting was arranged along Southern Maryland Boulevard in Dunkirk, with the courier expected to say the password “Jack9988.”
Deputies set up surveillance at the location.
On March 11, investigators said a white 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV arrived at the meeting point. The driver allegedly used the password “Jack9988,” and the victim handed over the package believed to contain gold bullion.
Deputies then conducted a felony traffic stop in the parking lot and arrested the driver, who was identified as Talwar. Authorities said he was the only person in the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
The vehicle was later towed while investigators sought a search warrant.
Officials said the suspected fraud scheme ran from February 27 through March 11, 2026, and resulted in a total loss of $193,770.95, including the initial $30,000 cash pickup and the attempted gold bullion delivery.
Court records indicate the scheme may involve additional unknown co-conspirators, and the investigation remains ongoing.
