Indian-Origin Man Sentenced in $2 Million Call Centre Fraud Targeting US Seniors

Last Updated:June 12, 2025, 12:33 IST

Patel was convicted of money laundering after admitting to collecting over $1.79 million from victims in Florida and other eastern US states

In his role as a “money mule”, Patel travelled across state lines to collect the illicit proceeds, which were then laundered through various channels.

Pranav Patel, a 33-year-old man of Indian origin, has been sentenced to 75 months (over six years) in prison for his involvement in a fraudulent call centre scheme that defrauded elderly citizens across the United States of nearly $2 million. The sentencing took place on June 11 in Tampa, Florida, with Federal Judge William F Jung presiding over the case.

Patel was busted when he went to a house to collect what he thought was a box of gold. Law enforcement officials, who had him under surveillance, arrested him immediately after he picked up the package.

Patel was convicted of money laundering after admitting to collecting over $1.79 million from victims in Florida and other eastern US states. The funds were obtained through deceptive tactics, including impersonating US Treasury officials and threatening victims with arrest unless they paid large sums of money or handed over valuables such as gold.

In his role as a “money mule", Patel travelled across state lines to collect the illicit proceeds, which were then laundered through various channels. The operation primarily targeted senior citizens, exploiting their trust and financial vulnerability. One victim reported losing his home due to the financial strain caused by the scam.

Following his conviction, Patel was ordered to forfeit the $1.79 million he had collected from the victims. The case highlights the growing concern over scams targeting the elderly and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations from financial exploitation. Authorities have emphasised the need for increased vigilance and protective measures to prevent such fraudulent activities.

“Preying on vulnerable, unsuspecting elderly victims to rob them of their hard-earned money is despicable," Secret Service Special Agent Robert Engel said after the sentencing, adding: “Even worse, the defendant’s co-conspirators posed as government agents to defraud victims of nearly $2 million, threatening them with arrest if they didn’t follow their demands."

United States of America (USA)

News world Indian-Origin Man Sentenced in $2 Million Call Centre Fraud Targeting US Seniors