Saline County, KS — Two Illinois men have been arrested in connection with a sophisticated scam that defrauded an elderly Kansas couple of more than $126,000, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Described by authorities as “detailed and elaborate,” the scam began in late July when a couple in their 70s were contacted by someone claiming to be with the U.S. Treasury Office. The caller falsely claimed the couple’s identities had been stolen and used to launder millions of dollars.
To “clear their names,” the couple was instructed to send $80,000 in cash, divided into two shipments of $40,000, to an address in California. Believing the money would be refunded, they complied.
In late August, the scammers contacted the couple again, demanding another payment—this time for $46,000. A meeting was arranged with a so-called courier near the couple’s home. The scammers even provided a code word to make the meeting seem legitimate. Once again, the couple handed over the cash.
A third demand followed shortly after, requesting another $40,000, which was claimed to be the final payment. But this time, the couple’s bank grew suspicious and contacted a relative, who convinced the couple to notify law enforcement.
With the help of the sheriff’s office, a sting operation was set up. The couple agreed to meet the supposed courier again, but this time, deputies were waiting nearby. During the exchange, authorities arrested 27-year-old Naga Teegala of Aurora, Illinois, and 27-year-old Pruthwik Goud of Wheeling, Illinois.
Both men now face several charges, including:
Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim
Criminal threat (causing terror or disruption)
False impersonation
Mistreatment of a dependent adult (deception $100K–$250K)
Theft by deception (value over $100,000)
The $126,461 scammed from the couple has not yet been recovered. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities warn others to be cautious of similar identity theft scams.
