13 people charged in elder fraud ring that scammed hundreds of Mass. senior citizens

Thirteen individuals are charged in a transnational elder fraud ring that defrauded over 400 Massachusetts seniors of $5 million. The defendants, operating from call centers in the Dominican Republic, allegedly posed as distressed grandchildren to manipulate victims into sending money. Leah B. Foley, U. S.

Attorney for Massachusetts, highlighted the emotional and financial devastation experienced by the victims. The defendants employed "openers" to initiate contact and "closers" to solidify the scams, while "runners" collected the money. Nine suspects have been arrested, but two remain at large in the U. S. , and two are in the Dominican Republic.

The FBI continues to investigate and believes there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Ted Docks, an FBI special agent, noted the significant harm caused to individuals' lives and finances. Officials are urging anyone who suspects they may have been victimized to file a report with the FBI.