The FBI dismantled scam call centers located in India that had been targeting hundreds of victims nationwide since 2022, stealing millions of dollars from unsuspecting victims through sophisticated fraud schemes, officials said.
At a news conference in Gaithersburg, Maryland, two victims described how they fell for a Social Security scam and lost their life savings.
With help from authorities in India, the FBI shut down scam call centers that officials said had taken almost $50 million from victims nationwide.
Victims believed they were speaking with Social Security
Two victims, Lisa and Sahadev, said they fell for the same type of scam. They received an email from what they believed was the Social Security Administration saying their Social Security numbers had been used for criminal activity and were suspended.
Sahadev said the scammers sent him what appeared to be proof that they were connected to Social Security, including what looked like a badge.
Both victims later contacted the FBI after realizing they had been scammed.
Maryland victims lost more than $6 million
Since 2022, officials said there have been almost two dozen victims in Maryland from Baltimore, Kent, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties.
Those Maryland victims lost a combined total of $6,257,869.
The nationwide losses connected to the call centers were reported at almost $50 million.
Fear-based pressure tactics
Lisa, who spent her career working for the federal government, became emotional while describing how frightened she felt during the scam.
She said she did what the scammers told her to do because she was scared, eventually sending her life savings to the people behind the scheme.
The case shows how fraudsters use fear, urgency, and fake authority to pressure victims into moving money quickly.
Gold bars, couriers, and mules
Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy said his office secured 10 indictments connected to the scams.
Many of the indicted individuals were described as couriers or mules who picked up gold bars from victims.
Victims believed they were working with federal officials to protect their investments, when in reality they were handing assets to members of the fraud operation.
Common warning signs
Social Security scams often begin with a message claiming that a victim’s Social Security number has been suspended or linked to criminal activity.
Real government agencies do not demand that people move money, buy gold, send cryptocurrency, or hand valuables to couriers for safekeeping.
- An email, call, or text claims your Social Security number is suspended
- You are told your identity is connected to criminal activity
- A caller sends a badge or official-looking proof to gain trust
- You are pressured to act immediately
- You are told to buy gold, send money, or move assets for safekeeping
- A courier or mule is sent to pick up valuables
Saw something suspicious?
Search or report a suspicious firm, website, email, or phone number.
If you were contacted by a suspicious investment platform, recovery agent, broker, or call centre, preserve evidence and check the entity before sending more money.