Indian Students Sentenced in U.S.for Targeting Elderly in Fraud Schemes
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Two Indian nationals studying in the United States have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in separate fraud schemes that targeted elderly Americans,resulting in millions of dollars in losses.
Image used for representative purpose only.| Photo Credit: Reuters
Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel, 20, received a sentence of 63 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.Patel,who was in the U.S.on a student visa, was involved in an online phishing scheme were he and his accomplices impersonated U.S. government officials to defraud senior citizens [[1]].
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that the scheme involved online phishing methods where the perpetrators impersonated U.S. government officials. Patel then fraudulently received cash and gold from the victims, forwarding a portion to his co-conspirators and keeping some for himself [[1]].
Investigations revealed that the scheme defrauded at least 25 elderly victims, with intended losses amounting to $2,694,156. Patel was apprehended on August 24, 2024, in Granite Shoals, Texas, while attempting to collect what he thought was $130,000. He has been in federal custody since August 29 [[1]].
U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons commented, “This defendant took advantage of his visa status in our country and participated in an international fraud scheme. Patel defrauded vulnerable American citizens out of millions of dollars by impersonating government officials and preying on his victims’ fears of adverse government action.” His co-defendant, dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya, also an Indian national, pleaded guilty on June 16, 2025, and awaits sentencing [[1]].
Similar Cases Highlight Ongoing Threat
In a separate but related case, Moinuddin Mohammed, another Indian student, was sentenced earlier in the year to eight years in prison for a similar scam that defrauded elderly Americans of nearly $6 million. His case also involved impersonation tactics and international laundering of the stolen funds [[1]].
“Patel defrauded vulnerable American citizens out of millions of dollars by impersonating government officials and preying on his victims’ fears of adverse government action.”
While all three individuals were in the U.S. on student visas, the educational institutions they attended have not been disclosed by U.S. authorities [[1]].
The U.S. Justice Department and FBI are urging seniors to exercise caution regarding unsolicited communications from individuals claiming to represent government or law enforcement agencies [[1]].
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is elder fraud?
- Elder fraud refers to scams and schemes that target older adults, often involving financial exploitation and identity theft.
- Who are the typical perpetrators of elder fraud?
- Perpetrators can be strangers, family members, caregivers, or even trusted professionals.
- What are some common types of elder fraud schemes?
- Common schemes include phishing scams, romance scams, investment fraud, and imposter scams where criminals impersonate government officials or law enforcement.
- How can seniors protect themselves from elder fraud?
- Seniors can protect themselves by being cautious of unsolicited communications, verifying the identity of individuals requesting money or personal data, and seeking advice from trusted family members or financial advisors.
- Where can I report elder fraud?
- Elder fraud can be reported to the federal Trade Commission (FTC),the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3),or local law enforcement agencies.
