According to the Warwick Police Department, two men in Rhode Island and Massachusetts have been indicted on federal charges for allegedly participating in a “grandparent scam.”
Jason Rose, 34, of Flushing, New York, and Robert Munoz, 29, of Miami, Florida, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
The two were released on unsecured bail and GPS monitoring after appearing before a federal judge on Friday.
Mr. Rose and Mr. Munoz acted as delivery men and allegedly collected approximately $230,000 from unsuspecting senior citizens.
Three Rhode Island seniors sent to prison after scam scams defraud them of more than $300,000
They were arrested in March when a victim reported the scam to Warwick police, which police identified as an ongoing scam.
This scam often targets grandparents and older adults by calling them claiming that a loved one has been arrested and they need bail money. The courier then tries to collect the money by posing as another family member or lawyer.
Warwick Police night detectives worked with the victim as well as the Special Operations Group, Financial Crimes and Criminal Investigation Unit to mount an operation to capture Rose, who had arrived at the victim's residence to collect the victim's money. erected. At that time, they discovered he had been involved in a similar scam that had been reported in Rhode Island.
Detectives were able to take Rose into custody after a brief pursuit. Munoz, who is believed to be the getaway driver, was also arrested.
Warwick police have arrested two men in Rhode Island and Massachusetts in connection with a “grandparent scam.” (St. Petersburg)
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A warrant was later issued for a hotel room in Muñoz's name, and detectives seized $60,000 in cash and other evidence linking them to other “grandparent scams.”
Warwick Police Station is asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this or similar scams to contact their respective police station.
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If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and is a victim of financial fraud, you can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). Support is available.
