The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says it is intensifying efforts to combat scams targeting elderly Americans, following the takedown of a major international fraud operation.
In a statement posted Wednesday on the Bureau’s official X handle and reposted by FBI Director Kash Patel, Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks revealed that the FBI, working with law enforcement in the Dominican Republic, dismantled a sophisticated transnational call center network alleged to have defrauded hundreds of senior citizens across the United States — including victims in New England — out of millions of dollars.
“We believe what these 13 individuals did was calculated, cold-hearted, and cruel, leaving behind a trail of heartbreak,” Docks said. “This investigation is a perfect example of how the private sector can work with law enforcement to protect the public.”
The probe was launched after Uber’s Global Security and Investigations team alerted authorities that its platform was being misused to facilitate the scams. Uber also collaborated with the FBI to prevent further financial losses to elderly victims.
The fraudulent scheme reportedly targeted seniors through “Grandparent Scams” — where callers impersonate distressed relatives in urgent need of money.
As part of its public awareness campaign, the FBI urged Americans to follow these precautions:
Think before picking up the phone – Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers.
Double check – If someone claiming to be family urgently requests money, hang up and verify by calling relatives directly.
Don’t share – Never provide financial or personal information to unknown callers, and don’t send money.
Don’t meet strangers – Avoid meeting unknown individuals for cash exchanges or rides to the bank.
The FBI says it will continue to work with domestic and international partners to disrupt criminal networks preying on vulnerable citizens.
Credit: @FBI via X.
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