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in Robocall / Phone Scam
timeout.com
· 2025-12-08
This article outlines five common travel scams and protective measures recommended by McAfee. The scams include impersonation fraud (posing as hotel staff or tour guides), phishing emails from fake travel companies, public WiFi vulnerabilities, and risks of sharing real-time vacation information on social media that can expose your location and home to theft. The article advises travelers to verify identities independently, avoid clicking suspicious links, use VPNs on public networks, delay posting vacation photos until returning home, and strengthen account security with two-factor authentication and unique passwords before traveling.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Unsolicited packages from major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Temu have been delivered to consumers nationwide as part of "brushing scams," where third-party sellers send random items to addresses obtained online to create fake verified-buyer reviews and artificially inflate product ratings. Affected consumers across Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts, and other states received unwanted items ranging from baby balloons to military hats and electronics. The Better Business Bureau recommends recipients document incidents, contact retailers to stop deliveries, monitor their accounts for fraudulent reviews and orders, and check credit reports, as the FTC has warned about this deceptive practice for at least a decade.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-08
A Kansas grandparent received a phone call from a scammer impersonating their grandson in Hope, Kansas, claiming he needed $10,000 due to an accident, but the grandparent avoided the scam by verifying the grandson's actual location. The Better Business Bureau warns that "grandparent" scams use high-pressure tactics to manipulate seniors into sending money quickly without consulting others, and recommends taking time to verify requests before responding, regardless of the claimed urgency.
itemonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Walker County Sheriff Clint McRae warned residents of an increase in telephone scams where fraudsters impersonate sheriff's office representatives to solicit personal information and payments, tactics the department does not employ. The sheriff's office advised residents to verify caller identity independently, avoid sharing personal information over the phone, remain skeptical of urgency tactics, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement immediately.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old Seattle college professor was defrauded of over $400,000 after scammers impersonating an FTC official convinced her that her accounts had been hacked and she needed to liquidate her assets into gold bars and cash to avoid arrest. The scam, which represents a growing trend of criminals requesting payment in precious metals or cash, resulted in collective losses exceeding $55 million from May to December 2023, according to FBI reports, with fraudsters increasingly using real government employees' names to establish credibility.
oakridger.com
· 2025-12-08
A study by Badcredit.org analyzing Federal Trade Commission data found that 78% of Gen Z and Millennials report receiving fraudulent debt collection calls or emails, with 28% expressing concern about becoming victims. Georgia leads states with the highest rate of debt collection scams (77.8 per 100,000 people), while Atlanta, Georgia has the highest rate among cities (102.9 per 100,000), and Memphis, Tennessee ranks fifth among cities most affected. Legitimate debt collectors must provide valid debt information within five days and cannot harass, threaten, or contact consumers more than seven times weekly, while common scam tactics include phishing, identity theft, and mobile
wibw.com
· 2025-12-08
Kansas passed the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, which requires financial advisors to report suspected fraud involving seniors or dependent adults to the Kansas Insurance Department, strengthening investigative tools to identify illegitimate actors. The law addresses a significant vulnerability, as scammers frequently target older adults for their liquid retirement assets, with only a 7% recovery rate once funds are stolen.
tryondailybulletin.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS issued a warning about impersonation scams targeting North Carolina seniors, where fraudsters pose as government officials or IRS representatives to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. The warning was part of a broader awareness effort around World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to educate older adults about these scams and encourage collaboration among federal agencies, state tax authorities, and tax professionals to protect vulnerable populations.
azbigmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC reported $10 billion in fraud losses in 2023, with AARP estimates suggesting adults over 60 lose more than $28 billion annually to fraud. Older adults are targeted for their access to substantial savings, available time, and sometimes limited online safety knowledge, with common scams including gift card/refund schemes, romance scams, and cryptocurrency investment frauds. Protective measures include verifying communications, guarding personal information, remaining skeptical of unsolicited money requests, and maintaining open communication with trusted networks and caretakers.
wdbj7.com
· 2025-12-08
A University of Virginia geriatric physician warns that elder fraud has reached epidemic levels, with Americans 60 and older losing over $3 billion to scams in the previous year and fraud increasing 23 percent year-over-year. The "grandparent scam," where callers impersonate grandchildren in distress requesting bail money, remains one of the most common schemes, exploiting victims' emotional responses and sense of urgency. Dr. Archbald-Pannone advises seniors to stay cautious of unsolicited contacts, take time before responding, consult trusted contacts, and report incidents without embarrassment to help combat the evolving tactics used by scammers.
cbs8.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI in San Diego recovered $3.3 million from elderly fraud victims through a coordinated task force launched in January, demonstrating that rapid reporting within 12 hours significantly increases recovery chances. Despite this success, the recovered funds represent only a fraction of California's estimated $2.1 billion in elder fraud losses in 2023, with San Diego County alone losing an estimated $3-6 million monthly to elder abuse. The article outlines common scam tactics (unsolicited calls, emails, texts requesting remote access, cash transfers, or cryptocurrency) and emphasizes that immediate reporting to IC3.gov and local authorities, combined with verification by contacting banks
mishtalk.com
· 2025-12-08
AI tools like ChatGPT are enabling scammers to create convincing phishing emails, imitate voices and identities, and automate fraud schemes that bypass traditional red flags like poor grammar. Criminals can now use AI to target larger groups with personalized information, forge identification documents, and rapidly test stolen passwords across multiple platforms, making these scams significantly harder for individuals and banks to detect. Financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase are deploying AI-based fraud detection systems and increasing customer education, while experts recommend protective measures such as credit freezes and password hygiene to mitigate risk.
klin.com
· 2025-12-08
Lancaster County, Nebraska residents are experiencing an increase in government imposter scams where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or court officials, claiming there is an arrest warrant and demanding immediate payment via bitcoin, gift cards, or cash. Scammers may provide fake credentials and personal information to appear legitimate, while some claim residents owe penalties for missing jury duty. The Nebraska Attorney General's Office and Lancaster County Sheriff advise residents never to share financial or personal information with unsolicited callers, disregard caller ID verification, or click links in unexpected messages, and to report suspected scams to the Sheriff's Office at 402-441-6500.
dnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Whitman County Sheriff's Office received multiple reports of scammers impersonating deputies and calling residents claiming outstanding warrants exist and demanding payment over the phone to avoid arrest. The agency advises residents to never provide personal information or payment over the phone, hang up on suspicious calls, and contact the sheriff's office directly to verify any legal matters, as legitimate law enforcement will never demand remote payment and always call from official numbers.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Stephen Carr from Ontario, Canada, lost nearly $500,000 of his retirement savings to a fake cryptocurrency trading platform he discovered through a YouTube video between October 2022 and January 2023. The scam operated as a simulation showing false profits of $1.3 million, which Carr realized was fraudulent when asked to pay $150,000 to access his funds; he now faces selling his home to rebuild his life. The article also highlights similar investment and impersonation scams targeting online users, emphasizing the need for skepticism toward unsolicited online investment offers and remote access requests.
southfloridareporter.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece examines why older adults are vulnerable to financial fraud and exploitation. In 2021, over 90,000 seniors fell victim to fraud totaling $1.7 billion in losses (a 74% increase from 2020), with perpetrators often being family members, caregivers, or friends rather than strangers. Research shows that age-related cognitive decline, emotional factors (like loneliness and isolation), lower digital literacy, and reduced ability to detect deception through body signals all contribute to heightened susceptibility, with some evidence suggesting financial exploitability may be an early marker of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An 84-year-old Texas woman was targeted by a scammer impersonating a Chase Bank security employee who convinced her to deposit money into a Bitcoin ATM to "correct a banking mistake." A Good Samaritan named Myndi Jordan discovered the woman at a gas station after she had already deposited $23,900, and alerted police; Sergeant James Stewart arrived and intervened, preventing the victim from losing the additional $16,100 she had prepared to deposit, for a total potential loss of $40,000.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The film *Thelma* stars 94-year-old June Squibb in her first leading role as a grandmother who is scammed out of $10,000 by a con artist posing as someone claiming her grandson needs help—a common scheme known as the "grandparent scam." Inspired by writer-director Josh Margolin's grandmother's actual experience, the action comedy follows Thelma as she pursues the scammer across Los Angeles. The filmmakers note the scam is becoming increasingly prevalent and sophisticated, with audiences frequently reporting personal or family experiences with such schemes.
thetomahawk.com
· 2025-12-08
Retired social worker Nancy Wills spoke at the Johnson County Senior Center about elder abuse awareness, highlighting that financial exploitation is the fastest-growing form of elder abuse, with only one in 24 cases reported to police. Wills advised seniors to avoid answering unfamiliar phone numbers, ignore telemarketers, and verify unexpected requests for money by calling family members directly rather than complying immediately. The presentation emphasized that scams targeting seniors are nationwide, occurring in 90% of cases within victims' homes and frequently perpetrated by family members.
moneylife.in
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old senior citizen in Mumbai lost over Rs2 crore (approximately $240,000 USD) to an online investment scam after being contacted via WhatsApp with promises of high returns in share trading; the fraudster provided app download links and bank account details for transfers, using a Ponzi scheme disguised as legitimate investment. The article explains that such cyber fraud schemes targeting seniors operate by paying early investors to build trust before disappearing when victims attempt to withdraw profits, and recommends potential investors verify that entities are registered with India's Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) and conduct proper due diligence before investing.
zeenews.india.com
· 2025-12-08
A 60-year-old retired investor from Mumbai lost Rs 2.56 crore in an online share trading scam that began in December 2023 when scammers added him to a WhatsApp group posing as representatives of an American investment company. The fraudsters used a fake website with a virtual trading account showing false profits to gradually convince the victim to invest incrementally, starting with Rs 50,000 in February, and later demanded an additional 20% investment to cover claimed stock market losses. When the victim requested a refund, his account access was blocked and the scammers became unreachable, prompting him to file a police complaint.
studycafe.in
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old retired financial professional from Maharashtra lost Rs. 2 crore to a stock market investment fraud orchestrated through WhatsApp, where scammers added him to a group, posed as investment experts, showed fake profits and a fraudulent mobile app, and convinced him to transfer funds across 24 transactions before requesting additional "withdrawal taxes" that triggered his suspicion. The article advises investors to avoid unsolicited investment offers via WhatsApp or social media, verify claims independently through qualified financial advisors, be wary of promises of high returns with no risk, and never transfer large sums without proper due diligence to legitimate, recognized companies listed on official stock exchanges.
themirror.com
· 2025-12-08
Stephen Carr, a pensioner from Ontario, Canada, lost nearly $500,000 to a fake cryptocurrency trading platform he discovered through YouTube, investing progressively from October 2022 to January 2023 after seeing false account growth. When asked to pay $150,000 to withdraw his funds, he realized the platform was a simulation with no real connection to any actual trading system, forcing him to sell his house and reorganize his life. The article also notes that elder fraud losses increased 84% in 2022, with victims losing $3.2 billion nationally.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Harriet Spring lost $1.6 million of her elderly mother's life savings to scammers impersonating ING bank over several months of phone calls and emails, with the funds eventually transferred through multiple Australian banks and becoming untraceable. Despite her mother's bank questioning the unusual transfer to a Westpac "holding account" and confirming ING was not offering the advertised rate, the bank did not warn her of potential fraud before processing the transaction. Spring is now advocating for government action and bank accountability, as Australians lost $2.7 billion to scams in the previous year.
fox4news.com
· 2025-12-08
An 84-year-old woman in White Settlement, Texas was targeted by a scammer who impersonated her bank's security team and threatened her into depositing $40,000 via Bitcoin ATM. Police intervened when a Good Samaritan called authorities, recovering $23,900 that the victim had already deposited, which was returned to her by officers. The case underscores that legitimate banks and law enforcement never call to demand money or payment.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Walker County Sheriff's Office issued a warning about a recent surge in telephone scams where fraudsters impersonate sheriff's deputies, threatening arrest or legal action to pressure victims into providing personal information or making immediate payments using spoofed phone numbers. The sheriff emphasized that his department never solicits personal information or money by phone and advised residents to verify callers' identities independently, avoid sharing personal information, remain skeptical of urgent threats, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement.
lowincomerelief.com
· 2025-12-08
This week's news roundup covers resources for low-income Americans and seniors facing summer heat, including HUD's expansion of financial assistance for air conditioning costs (benefiting 600,000+ public housing units lacking central AC). A critical warning alerts people to a dangerous scam falsely promising a $600 Social Security increase in June that requires filling out applications—the government warns this is a phishing scheme designed to steal personal information, as legitimate COLA increases are announced in October and require no applications. The article also covers proposed Medicare reforms and affordable medication programs for seniors.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
In June 2024, the U.S. Attorney's Office and San Diego FBI recovered over $3.3 million in a coordinated operation targeting fraud schemes against seniors, obtaining more than 40 seizure warrants for $5.6 million since January 2024. The effort highlights California's disproportionate cyber fraud problem, with the state leading the nation in both victim count (over 77,000 in 2023) and losses ($2.1 billion), and emphasizes the need for early reporting of suspected fraud to interrupt transactions before funds are transferred. Common schemes targeting elderly victims include cryptocurrency investment scams (highest losses) and tech support/government impersonation scams
arabtimesonline.com
· 2025-12-08
An 86-year-old disabled Kuwaiti man lost his entire bank balance of 1,000 dinars in a video call scam where a fraudster impersonated a military captain claiming to offer disability assistance. The victim disclosed his banking information and OTP code to the impostor, resulting in the funds being stolen just before Eid. The elderly man reported the incident to police (Case No. 983/2024) and appealed to authorities for assistance in recovering the stolen funds.
tribune.com.pk
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration issued a warning about a widespread scam falsely claiming recipients would receive a $600 payment increase or stimulus check, which generated over 463,000 calls to the SSA in a single day. Social Security-related scams are the most prevalent government imposter scams in the U.S., with consumers losing more than $126.5 million last year, and the SSA emphasized that legitimate cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) are automatic and do not require beneficiaries to provide additional information. The legitimate 2025 COLA will be announced in October with changes reflected in January payments, projected at a 2.57% increase.
newsbytesapp.com
· 2025-12-08
Billionaire Mark Cuban's Gmail account was compromised after he received a fraudulent call from someone posing as a Google representative who claimed to detect unauthorized access and then exploited Google's account recovery methods to gain entry. Cuban publicly warned his followers via X (Twitter) to disregard any emails sent from his account after 3:30pm PST on Saturday, June 22, 2024, and called out Google for the security vulnerability. Social media users attributed the breach to social engineering and phone number spoofing rather than a direct Google failure.
wng.org
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. State Department released an annual report highlighting how human traffickers are exploiting encrypted messaging, digital currencies, social media, and online platforms (dating apps, gaming sites, fake job websites) to recruit and exploit victims, while a growing trend involves trafficking people for organ harvesting. Law enforcement and NGOs are countering these efforts using artificial intelligence, data analytics, and monitoring of online platforms, with recent international operations resulting in multiple arrests and seizures of trafficking infrastructure. The report notes that traffickers target not only women and girls but also children, with thousands of teenagers annually becoming victims of sextortion scams demanding money in exchange for not publicizing sexual images.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
An Ontario woman nearly lost $6,000 after a Facebook Marketplace scammer sent her a fraudulent link disguised as an e-transfer payment for a $40 item she was selling; the fake link redirected her to a phishing website designed to mimic her bank, where she unknowingly entered her banking credentials. After her bank completed a 10-day investigation, the victim received a full refund and warned others to be cautious when selling online, as scammers increasingly use sophisticated tactics to create convincing fake banking websites.
putnamcountycourier.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens are receiving calls from scammers impersonating their grandchildren, claiming to be arrested on drug charges and requesting immediate financial assistance. This "grandparent scam" relies on voice disguise and emotional manipulation to pressure elderly victims into sending money urgently. The scam targets the natural instinct of grandparents to help their grandchildren in crisis.
yourdailyjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Insurance reports a spike in insurance fraud cases affecting all consumers through increased premiums, with particular targeting of seniors through door-to-door fake insurance sales, deceptive annuity/investment schemes, prescription fraud, and staged accident claims. The department received over 10,000 Medicare fraud complaints in 2023 involving unauthorized billing for medical supplies and duplicate charges, and provides 14 protective tips including verifying agent credentials, obtaining written estimates, protecting personal information, and reviewing explanation of benefits statements.
gcmaz.com
· 2025-12-08
An educational seminar titled "Senior Scams and Fraud Protection" is being held in Flagstaff to help seniors recognize and prevent fraud targeting their age group. The seminar covers common scams, red flags such as requests to purchase prepaid cards or use Bitcoin ATMs, and protective resources, with free attendance available through registration with organizers.
pennwatch.org
· 2025-12-08
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities is hosting educational presentations throughout July 2024 for seniors, employees, and the general public on financial fraud prevention and investor protection. Topics include avoiding identity theft, selecting investment professionals, preventing elder financial fraud, recognizing common scams, and cybersecurity best practices, with sessions held at libraries, government offices, and community organizations across Pennsylvania.
publicnewsservice.org
· 2025-12-08
Adults over 64 are increasingly targeted by scams on social media, with common schemes involving investments, romance, and home improvement fraud; red flags include pressure to act urgently, requests for unusual payment methods (Zelle, Venmo, debit cards), and unrealistic offers. According to the Department of Justice, elder financial abuse costs older Americans at least $36.5 billion annually, with seniors experiencing cognitive decline, social isolation, and low financial literacy being most vulnerable. The BBB recommends victims contact local police and their financial institution immediately and report scams through BBB.org/ScamTracker.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A criminal gang used stolen identities to fraudulently obtain approximately £430,000 worth of mobile devices, with one victim, Steve Taylor, having over £5,000 in unauthorized contracts opened across five companies in his name. Despite having CCTV evidence showing someone else signing the contracts, mobile phone providers continued pursuing Taylor for payment until authorities intervened and the companies registered the contracts as fraudulent. This type of identity theft scam involving mobile phone contracts is identified as a rising crime trend.
elpasoinc.com
· 2025-12-08
An 87-year-old El Paso resident lost approximately $10,000 after falling victim to a tech support scam impersonating Microsoft, during which scammers convinced her she had fraudulent Amazon charges and obtained her personal financial information. El Paso experienced 93 elder fraud reports totaling $6.2 million in losses this year, with the FBI noting that common schemes include investment scams, tech support scams, government impersonation, and romance scams—many originating from organized crime rings in Eastern Europe and Africa. The FBI reports that nationwide, seniors over 60 filed 101,068 fraud complaints in 2023 resulting in $3.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered scams targeting travelers have surged, with fraudsters using generative AI to create convincing fake travel websites and listings that steal credit card information or install malware on devices. According to a McAfee report, 30 percent of adults have fallen victim to or know someone who has fallen victim to online travel scams. Experts recommend paying only through official websites, avoiding suspiciously low prices, researching unfamiliar sites, and being wary of generic reviews and missing contact information to protect against these increasingly sophisticated threats.
startribune.com
· 2025-12-08
An individual was scammed by fraudsters impersonating an Xfinity customer service representative who collected payment information over the phone for a supposedly late bill; the scammer's fraudulent payments appeared to post initially but the account was eventually shut down, requiring multiple lengthy calls with actual Xfinity representatives to resolve. According to an FTC report, scammers impersonating major companies like Best Buy, Geek Squad, Amazon, PayPal, Apple, and Comcast/Xfinity defrauded U.S. consumers of over $200 million, using increasingly sophisticated tactics across email, text, and online channels that mimic legitimate company communications to pressure victims into quick action.
staysafeonline.org
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reported nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate scams in 2023, losing over $145 million, with one in four home buyers and sellers targeted by fraudulent activities. The article outlines five common real estate scams including wire transfer fraud (where criminals intercept payment instructions), predatory lending targeting vulnerable populations like seniors, and mortgage/foreclosure relief scams that demand upfront fees without delivering services. Protection strategies emphasize verifying payment instructions through secure channels, consulting trusted financial advisors, avoiding pressure tactics, and educating all parties involved in real estate transactions about fraud risks.
wheninmanila.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are rapidly increasing globally, particularly in Southeast Asia, affecting both direct victims and those trafficked into perpetrating the scams. The Online Alerto Facebook community provides free resources to help people recognize red flags—such as rapid declarations of love, requests to move communication off dating apps, avoidance of in-person meetings, and requests for money—and offers protective strategies including reverse image searches, video call verification, and careful social media scrutiny. Users are advised to maintain skepticism about offers that seem too good to be true and to never share financial information or inappropriate photos with unverified online contacts.
malaya.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
Online romance scams are surging in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia, with perpetrators using dating apps to quickly build emotional connections, move victims to private channels, and solicit money or personal information for potential blackmail. The Facebook awareness group Online Alerto educates users on red flags—including rapid declarations of love, financial requests, inconsistent information, and reluctance to meet in person—and recommends protective measures such as reverse image searching and cautious information sharing. These scams affect both direct victims and individuals coerced into participating in fraudulent schemes.
manhattanda.org
· 2025-12-08
Nelson Counne, 71, was sentenced to 4-to-8 years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing more than $1.8 million from at least five women through romance and investment scams between 2012 and 2021. Using fake identities and posing as a wealthy retired art dealer, Counne met victims through online dating apps, gained their trust, and persuaded them to invest in fraudulent opportunities (including purported Alibaba and tech startup deals), then used their money to appear wealthy to new victims and repay those who grew suspicious. The Manhattan District Attorney emphasizes that romance scams remain a persistent threat and urges potential victims to report such crimes.
fox13news.com
· 2025-12-08
Six individuals were charged in a "grandparent scam" that defrauded Florida seniors of more than $250,000, where scammers impersonated attorneys and claimed victims' grandchildren had been arrested in accidents and needed bail money urgently, with victims instructed not to tell anyone due to fake "gag orders." Two victims each lost over $50,000 after being contacted multiple times with escalating stories, and the criminals used unknowing ride-share drivers as couriers to collect cash placed in boxes by the victims. Arrested suspects include Gennesis Castro and Ada Tido, who face charges including organized fraud and criminal use of personal identification.
uhsystem.edu
· 2025-12-08
Job scams target students through unsolicited emails designed to extract personal information and potentially involve them in criminal activity. Red flags include generic greetings, free email accounts (Gmail/Yahoo/Outlook), grammatical errors, requests for personal information via Google forms or alternative communication channels, and lack of legitimate contact information. Students should verify job opportunities through their university career services, research companies thoroughly on established job boards, and report suspected scams to university information security and police.
nbcdfw.com
· 2025-12-08
The "boss scam" or "CEO scam" involves scammers sending text messages impersonating a person's supervisor, requesting they purchase gift cards or perform urgent financial tasks, often claiming to be using a friend's phone. Scammers identify targets by researching company structures on LinkedIn and other social media platforms to find employees, then exploit people's busy schedules and fear of disappointing authority figures. Experts recommend verifying unusual requests directly with the sender through another communication method, avoiding reply responses, and reporting scam texts to authorities using forwarding or built-in phone blocking features.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Victor Anthony Valdez, a 39-year-old from the Bronx, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy for acting as a courier in a Dominican Republic-based "grandparent scam" that targeted elderly Americans between August 2020 and August 2021. Scammers from call centers in the Dominican Republic impersonated victims' grandchildren or legal representatives, claiming the grandchildren had been arrested and needed bail money, then sent Valdez and other couriers to collect tens of thousands of dollars from victims' homes in New York and New Jersey. Valdez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.