A federal grand jury has charged Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old man from the Bronx, New York, for his alleged involvement in a “grandparent scam” that targeted elderly Americans. Valdez is accused of acting as a courier for a fraudulent scheme based in the Dominican Republic. The indictment, unsealed today in Newark, New Jersey, reveals the disturbing details of the scam that preyed on the love and concern of grandparents for their families.
The Grandparent Scam
The grandparent scam is a deceptive operation in which perpetrators pose as a victim’s grandchild or as legal representatives such as attorneys, court personnel, or other figures associated with the judicial system. Operating from call centers in the Dominican Republic, the scammers would contact elderly Americans, falsely claiming that their grandchild had been arrested and urgently needed money for bail or other legal expenses. Through lies and manipulation, they convinced the victims to provide cash, which couriers like Valdez would then collect from the victims’ homes.
Valdez’s Alleged Role
According to the indictment, Valdez acted as a courier for the grandparent scam from August 2020 to August 2021. During this period, he is alleged to have retrieved or attempted to retrieve tens of thousands of dollars from defrauded grandparents in New York and New Jersey. His role was crucial in the scam’s operation, physically collecting the money that victims believed was aiding their loved ones in distress.
Official Statements
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, emphasized the commitment of the Consumer Protection Branch and its law enforcement partners to pursue individuals who exploit vulnerable populations. “The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, in collaboration with its law enforcement partners, is dedicated to vigorously pursuing those who exploit vulnerable and elderly victims through fraudulent schemes,” stated Boynton. “We will continue to identify these perpetrators and prioritize taking action against those who deliberately target vulnerable consumers, whether they are in the United States or abroad.”
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey highlighted the emotional manipulation involved in the scam.”The perpetrators of these scams, including the defendant, specifically target our vulnerable senior population,” said Sellinger. “They exploit grandparents’ love and devotion to their families to convince them to hand over money. According to the indictment, the defendant acted as a courier, traveling to the homes of victims to collect the cash. My office is dedicated to protecting the rights of all victims and will relentlessly prosecute those who prey on the vulnerable to cheat them out of their savings.”
Inspector of the Social Security Administration (SSA), General Gail S. Ennis condemned Valdez’s actions, stating, “Mr. Valdez knowingly exploited the elderly for his own gain. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their collaboration in investigating and prosecuting these complex, international scams targeting elderly Americans, many of whom depend on SSA benefits to get by.”
Potential Consequences
If convicted, Valdez faces severe penalties, including a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. The case, which involves defrauded grandparents, is being investigated by the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations.
Legal Proceedings and Support for Victims
Trial Attorney Joshua Ferrentino from the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Silane from the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case. In light of these events, authorities emphasize the importance of reporting financial fraud, especially for grandparents. The National Elder Fraud Hotline, managed by the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), provides support to grandparents aged 60 and older. Experienced professionals can provide personalized assistance by assessing the needs of the grandparent victim and identifying relevant next steps. They can also connect callers with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals.
Conclusion
This indictment serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat fraudulent schemes that target the most vulnerable members of society, including grandparents. While an indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, the case against Valdez highlights the critical need for vigilance and support in protecting elderly grandparents from financial exploitation.
