FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Omsai Kiran Vaddi, 24, after he allegedly scammed an elderly woman out of $30,000 by impersonating a Social Security agent—in person.
Unlike traditional scams conducted over the phone or online, investigators say this case involved face-to-face interaction, marking a concerning shift in scam tactics.
The scheme began with a voicemail claiming a package couldn’t be delivered. When the victim returned the call, she was connected with someone claiming to be a federal agent. According to investigators, Vaddi convinced the woman she was under investigation for money laundering and that she needed to hand over money to clear her name.
The woman met the scammer in person and handed over $30,000. Days later, Vaddi reportedly called her again, this time demanding $125,000.
Becoming suspicious, the woman alerted authorities, who then set up a sting operation. When Vaddi arrived to collect the additional money, the economic crimes, narcotics, and tactical narcotics units moved in and arrested him.
“We then started scamming the scammer,” said Julie Sin, spokesperson for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. “He showed up thinking he’d walk away with another $125,000, and instead walked into a trap.”
Sin emphasized that this type of in-person scamming is a new and troubling trend, especially targeting elderly victims who are often more vulnerable due to their willingness to engage and trust.
“These scammers aren’t showing up in suits—they’re in jeans and T-shirts, driving personal vehicles,” Sin warned. “Legitimate federal agents always carry proper identification and won’t request money.”
Authorities urge residents to question unusual calls, especially those requesting money, and to never meet strangers in person under suspicious circumstances.
Vaddi is facing charges related to fraud and impersonation, and remains in custody pending further investigation.
