Law enforcement thwarts attempted theft in Greenfield
On Tuesday, April 8, the Greenfield Police Department, the Highland County Sheriff's Office, and the Highland County Task Force worked together to investigate, apprehend, and charge Yashkumar P. Patel with theft from an elderly person.
Investigation showed that someone claiming to be a federal agent from the Federal Trade Commission contacted the alleged victim approximately one week ago and advised that her personal information had been stolen and was being used to purchase illicit drugs, child pornography, and used for money laundering.
The caller said the federal government was seizing her funds until the investigation was over.
Arrangements were made for a man posing as a federal agent to come to the alleged victim's home, where the victim gave him $40,000. A few days later, the same male alledgedly contacted the victim again and again advised she would need to pay $30,000 as part of the investigation.
Becoming suspicious, the alleged victim contacted law enforcement.
On April 8, Patel arrived at the alleged victim's home, and after receiving what he thought was $30,000, law enforcement surrounded Patel; and he was taken into custody.
Patel is possibly from India and is a citizen of Canada.
Law enforcement wants to remind citizens to be careful of scams like this and to contact law enforcement if you receive a demand like this.
For more information, visit https://countycourtgreenfield.com.
Comment
Illegal Ailen?
He's 23, 5'6'' and 124 lbs.... He wouldn't get a dime from me...
FTC Scam
I received an email with a fake letter from the FTC warning I was involved in a $2 million money laundering scheme. Secure my Social Security and other assets. The letter head and email were suspicious. Like not .gov. No street address. The real FTC in Washington DC was notified. Mailed copy.