Eight indicted in bank fraud scheme targeting elderly
By The Star Staff
On Oct. 28, a federal grand jury issued a 40-count indictment against eight individuals for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering conspiracy.
The UPS and FBI have been investigating a fraudulent scheme involving debit cards, mostly from elderly clients of Banco Popular of Puerto Rico related to purchases with debit cards and purchases of fraudulent money orders. From Oct. 21, 2021 until the present, Ángel de la Rosa, alias “Julio Zapata,” and others made themselves pass for federal agents or bank representatives.
With the pretext of helping restore the integrity of the bank account, de la Rosa and others asked the victims to provide their debit card account number and pin number.
“The U.S Attorney’s Office continues to pursue and prosecute individuals who take advantage of others, including the elderly and other vulnerable members of our community,” U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow said Tuesday in a written statement. “Once again we urge everyone to take steps to protect their personal information. Do not share your personal identification information with strangers. If you suspect that your bank account, credit card or ATH Mobile account has been compromised, call or visit your bank directly. That is the best way to avoid being a victim like the one involved in this case.”