16 People Charged in “Grandparent Scam” Operated From D.R.

UNITED STATES – Sixteen individuals have been charged by the United States in connection with a widespread “Grandparent Scam” targeting elderly Americans, with 11 from the Dominican Republic and five from the United States.

Operating from call centers in the Dominican Republic, the defendants allegedly defrauded seniors by impersonating distressed grandchildren in need of urgent cash for bail or legal fees.

Authorities say the scheme resulted in millions of dollars being swindled from victims. If convicted, the defendants could face up to 20 years in prison.