SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) — The Chatham County Police Department arrested 20-year-old Pranavkumar Baria in connection with a fraud scheme that defrauded an elderly victim of more than $500,000, according to a department press release.
On August 14, 2025, detectives charged Baria with theft by deception (criminal attempt), elder abuse (criminal attempt), and trafficking an elder person (criminal attempt). He was denied bond and remains in custody at the Chatham County Detention Center.
The investigation began after the victim was contacted by phone by a person claiming to be a representative from the victim’s financial institution. The caller convinced the victim that their bank account had been compromised, which led to multiple money transfers and the transfer of precious metals.
The victim later alerted the police, and on August 14, detectives arrested Baria when he came to the victim’s home to collect more precious metals as part of the ongoing scam.
Chatham County Police urge anyone who may be a victim of this scam or similar schemes to come forward. Authorities also warn the public to protect themselves by never sharing sensitive personal or financial information over the phone and to verify suspicious calls by contacting their local bank branch directly.
The investigation is ongoing, and police suspect there may be additional victims in the area.
