BOSTON (WBZ) – Federal authorities have charged 13 people in what they call a “cruel and malicious” grandparent scam that defrauded elderly victims of more than $5 million.
According to U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley, the scheme was based out of organized call centers in the Dominican Republic and involved posing as relatives in distress to deceive seniors into handing over large sums of cash.
Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia, 33, is alleged to be the ringleader. He and several others made calls impersonating grandchildren in need—citing accidents or legal trouble—and then handed the conversation off to an impersonator posing as a lawyer who demanded bail money.
Victims, averaging 84 years old, were then tricked into delivering cash to so-called “runners.” Often, Uber drivers, unaware they were part of a scam, were dispatched to pick up the money or even transport victims to the bank.
The scheme was uncovered when Uber’s Global Security team flagged the suspicious activity to the FBI. Uber has since updated its driver training protocols to better detect and report scams.
Federal investigators say about 400 victims were affected, including 50 in the U.S., though the actual number may be higher due to unreported incidents.
One suspect, Ransel St. Arlin Tavarez Jimenez, remains at large, along with three others—two in the Dominican Republic and two in the U.S.
Charges include mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to launder money. Nine suspects are currently in custody.
“This conduct is ruthless and immoral,” Foley said during a press conference at Boston’s Moakley Federal Courthouse. “We’ve had enough of this.”
Uber praised the collaboration, stating:
“This case exemplifies how Uber uses anti-fraud technology to swiftly detect and proactively report suspicious activity… We commend law enforcement’s efforts.”
The Justice Department is encouraging families to talk with elderly loved ones and report suspected scams .
