HICKSVILLE, NY — Two New York residents have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a large-scale fraud scheme that stole over $11 million from elderly victims across several states, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced Friday. The fraudulent operation, which preyed on seniors, led to a Michigan victim losing $398,000.
Jayesh J. Panchal, 55, of Hicksville, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $7.9 million in restitution to 40 victims. Vijaya C. Shetty, 53, of Flushing, received a 63-month sentence and must pay $596,800 in restitution. U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering, who issued the sentences, described the fraud as “horrific” and noted that the scheme exploited some of society’s most vulnerable members.
“We teamed up with multiple law enforcement partners to pinpoint and punish these fraudsters who preyed on vulnerable elderly victims,” said U.S. Attorney Totten. “My office is committed to fighting all types of elder abuse in our community.”
The fraud involved scammers based in India who used fake computer virus warnings to trick victims into contacting phony tech support agents. Victims were then coerced into handing over money through various methods, including in-person meetings, mail, wire transfers, and gift card purchases.
Panchal and a co-defendant reportedly made six trips to Lake County, Michigan, to collect $398,000 from one victim, who believed she was helping federal agents safeguard her bank accounts. The pair also traveled across the United States to gather funds from other victims at the direction of their co-conspirators in India.
“Fraudsters are targeting our senior community at an alarming rate nationwide,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson. “We must empower our seniors with knowledge about elder fraud and its various forms to protect them.”
The FBI Detroit, Grand Rapids Resident Agency, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler. Co-defendant Everette Thibou, who pleaded guilty, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 31.