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A Bronx man could face up to 20 years in prison for his role in an international “grandparent scam” that targeted elderly parents of grandchildren.
Victor Anthony Valdez, 39, is accused of collecting tens of thousands of dollars from grandparents in New York and New Jersey between August 2020 and 2021, falsely providing cash for what were allegedly legal matters for their grandchildren.
The scam was carried out from a call center in the Dominican Republic, with conspirators contacting elderly people posing as grandchildren or law enforcement officials.
The impostors tell their victims that their grandchild has been arrested and they need cash for bail and other expenses.
“Once the victims were persuaded with lies and deception, the conspirators instructed the victims to deliver cash to couriers, including Valdez, who would then go to the victims’ homes to pick up the cash,” the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey said. It said in a statement.
“These suspected fraudsters, including this defendant, target vulnerable elderly populations,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Selinger.
“They are relying on their love and devotion to their family to convince their grandparents to give them money.”
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant was currently working as a courier visiting the homes of fraud victims to collect the money,” he continued.
“My office will protect the rights of all victims and relentlessly prosecute those who prey on vulnerable people and attempt to scam them out of their life savings.”
Valdez was arrested Tuesday and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
He has pleaded not guilty, according to court documents.
“Mr. Valdez knowingly preyed on seniors for his own profit,” Social Security Administration Inspector General Gayle S. Ennis said in a statement.
“We thank our law enforcement partners for their help in investigating and prosecuting these complex, international fraud schemes that attempt to defraud older Americans who rely on Social Security benefits to cover their living expenses.”
If convicted, Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Valdes could not be reached and his lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
