A Bronx man, Victor Anthony Valdez, aged 39, is now facing a potential sentence of 20 years in prison for his alleged role in an international “grandparent scam” that targeted elderly individuals with grandchildren. The scam, which operated out of call centers in the Dominican Republic, reportedly took place between August 2020 and 2021, during which Valdez is said to have collected tens of thousands of dollars from grandparents residing in New York and New Jersey.
According to the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Valdez and his co-conspirators would contact elderly victims, posing as their grandchildren or individuals associated with the legal system. They would deceive the victims into believing that their grandchildren had been arrested and required immediate cash for bail or other expenses. Exploiting the love and devotion grandparents have for their families, the scammers manipulated their victims through lies and falsehoods.
Once convinced, the victims were instructed to provide cash to couriers, including Valdez, who would visit their homes to collect the money. The U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger emphasized that these scams specifically targeted vulnerable senior citizens, taking advantage of their savings and financial security.
Valdez was apprehended on Tuesday and charged with wire fraud conspiracy. Court documents indicate that he pleaded not guilty. The Social Security Administration Inspector General, Gail S. Ennis, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting these complex international scams that defraud elderly Americans, many of whom rely on Social Security benefits to make ends meet.
