Indian jailed in US for 8 years over scam on elderly, ordered to pay $2.4 million
A 60-year-old Indian national, Ahmed Maqbul Syed, has been sentenced to 96 months (eight years) in prison by a US court for laundering money linked to a widespread fraud scheme targeting elderly people across the country. Syed, a former resident of Illinois, had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. US District Judge John C Hinderaker also ordered him to pay approximately USD 2.4 million in restitution to the victims, the US Department of Justice said in a statement.
Syed was involved in a conspiracy to launder proceeds from a widespread 'tech support' and 'government imposter' fraud scheme. The operation targeted elderly victims across the United States, including in Arizona.HOW THE FRAUD TARGETED ELDERLY VICTIMS
The fraud typically began with deceptive pop-up messages appearing on victims' computers. These messages warned users about supposed computer problems or caused their systems to freeze, prompting them to call a number for technical assistance.
However, the calls connected victims to scammers posing as technical support personnel or government representatives. They falsely claimed that the victims' bank accounts had been hacked and their personal information compromised.
In some instances, the scammers went further, wrongly telling victims that their accounts had been linked to child pornography or other criminal activities. They used these false claims to frighten victims into believing their money and assets were at risk.
The victims were then instructed to withdraw or transfer money under the pretext of protecting their finances from alleged threats.VICTIMS FORCED TO BUY GOLD, GIFT CARDS
As part of the scheme, victims were directed to purchase gold and withdraw cash, which they were asked to hand over to individuals posing as government officials.
Others were instructed to purchase gift cards and share their numbers with people falsely claiming they would help secure their money.
At least one victim was also directed to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM as part of the fraudulent operation.
The US Justice Department said some victims lost most of their life savings to the scam, highlighting the financial devastation caused by the operation.
Apart from the 96-month prison sentence, Syed has been ordered to pay approximately USD 2.4 million in restitution to those affected by the fraud.- Ends(With Agency inputs)
