Explore the Archive

Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, a 35-year-old Nigerian national, pleaded guilty to his role in a romance scam that defrauded six victims of over $2.5 million between 2016 and 2019. Nwadavid created fake online profiles to gain victims' trust, then directed them to send money under false pretenses, using a Massachusetts resident as an intermediary to transfer funds through cryptocurrency accounts he controlled. He faces sentencing on September 23, 2025, on charges of mail fraud and money laundering, with potential penalties including up to 20 years in prison and deportation.

Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, a 35-year-old Nigerian national, pleaded guilty to stealing over $2.5 million from six victims through romance scams between 2016 and 2019, laundering the funds through cryptocurrency accounts he controlled. Nwadavid manipulated victims into sending money via fake dating profiles and romantic relationships, then transferred the stolen funds through a Massachusetts resident accomplice into crypto wallets on LocalBitcoins. He faces up to 20 years in prison on mail fraud and money laundering charges, along with potential deportation.

Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, a Nigerian man, pleaded guilty to operating a romance scam that defrauded six U.S. victims of over $2.5 million, which he converted into cryptocurrency through accounts under his control. Arrested in April 2025 after arriving at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Nwadavid admitted to mail fraud and money laundering charges, using one victim from Massachusetts as a conduit to receive and transfer funds from five other victims. He faces up to 20 years in prison, fines up to $250,000-$500,000, restitution, and potential deportation to Nigeria upon sentencing.

A 35-year-old Nigerian national pleaded guilty in federal court to orchestrating romance scams that defrauded six victims of over $2.5 million between 2016 and 2019, using fake dating profiles to manipulate victims into sending money that was funneled through cryptocurrency accounts he controlled. He was arrested in April 2025 at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and faces up to 20 years in prison on mail fraud charges and up to 20 years on each money laundering charge, with sentencing scheduled for September 23, 2025, followed by deportation.

Nigerian national Charles Uchenna Nwadavid pleaded guilty to orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded six victims of over $2.5 million, using fake online profiles to build trust before requesting money for fabricated emergencies like inheritances and medical crises. One Massachusetts resident was manipulated into serving as a money conduit, receiving funds from five other victims across the U.S. and transferring the collective $2.5 million to Nwadavid through cryptocurrency transactions on LocalBitcoins. Nwadavid was arrested in April 2025 upon arrival at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and faces up to 20 years in prison on

Charles Nwadavid, a 35-year-old Nigerian businessman, pleaded guilty to mail fraud and money laundering for his role in romance scams that defrauded six victims of over $2.5 million between 2016 and 2019. He used a Massachusetts victim as an intermediary to receive funds from victims across the United States, then converted the money through cryptocurrency accounts he controlled. Nwadavid faces sentencing on September 23, 2025, with potential penalties including up to 40 years in prison, a $750,000 fine, and deportation.

This article is not relevant to the Elderus fraud research database. It reports on a business investment deal between Google and Commonwealth Fusion Systems regarding nuclear fusion energy development, with no connection to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse.

Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, a 35-year-old, admitted to orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded at least six women across multiple states of millions of dollars by posing as different men (including "Williams Moore" and "Manuel Sykes") claiming to need financial help due to oil rig injuries. Victims from Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Kansas were manipulated into opening cryptocurrency accounts and transferring funds totaling millions, with individual losses ranging from $235,000 to $896,000, which Nwadavid then laundered through his own Bitcoin wallets. The case reflects a broader trend of romance fraud, with the

Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, a 35-year-old married Nigerian real estate worker, pleaded guilty to running a sophisticated romance scam that defrauded six women across Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Kansas of approximately $1.88 million between January and June 2019. Using fake identities, he posed as men working on oil rigs or in overseas positions, love-bombing vulnerable victims and convincing them to send money for medical emergencies or travel expenses, with one victim losing over $896,000. The case reflects a broader epidemic of romance scams targeting older adults, with the FBI reporting nearly 18,000 complaints in 2024

A 35-year-old Nigerian man, Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, pleaded guilty to operating a romance scam that defrauded six women across Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Kansas of approximately $1.88 million between 2019 and 2024. Using fake identities such as "Williams Moore," "Manuel Sykes," and "Edward Nowak," Nwadavid posed as an oil rig worker and other professionals to build romantic relationships with vulnerable women online, then solicited money under false pretenses including medical emergencies and inheritance claims. The case highlights the growing threat of romance scams targeting women over 60, which

Recent CDC data indicates that approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ experience elder abuse annually. A comprehensive analysis of senior safety across U.S. states, measuring scam reports, homicide rates, violent death rates, and quality of life, ranked Massachusetts as the safest state for seniors (score: 89.96), followed by Minnesota (89.03) and Nebraska (88.78), with scam rates against seniors ranging from 95.5 to 141.1 reports per 100,000 people depending on the state.

A 74-year-old Massachusetts woman lost approximately $450,000 in a year-long romance scam in which perpetrators impersonated country music star Vince Gill and his daughter, fabricating an emotional story about a false rape accusation to solicit money. Despite warnings from banks, law enforcement, and family members, the victim sent wire transfers, cashier's checks, cash, and took out personal loans and credit card advances before her daughter discovered the fraud on Christmas morning. Authorities emphasize that romance scammers exploit emotional manipulation and social isolation, particularly targeting older adults who are widowed, divorced, or lonely, and recommend that concerned family members ask non-judgmental questions and contact

A 74-year-old Massachusetts woman lost approximately $450,000 of her retirement savings in a year-long romance scam where perpetrators impersonated country music star Vince Gill and his daughter, fabricating a story about divorce and legal troubles to extract money through wire transfers, checks, and cash. Despite warnings from banks, law enforcement, and family members, the victim continues to believe the online relationship is genuine. Santa Barbara County District Attorney investigators emphasize that romance scams are particularly difficult to prevent due to emotional manipulation tactics like "love bombing," and recommend that concerned family members approach victims with empathy while asking non-judgmental questions and contacting authorities if suspicious activity is detected.

A fire at Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts killed 9 residents (aged 61-86) and injured dozens more, with survivors reporting that staff members abandoned the scene without alerting residents or assisting evacuations. The incident revealed systemic safety failures including inadequate staffing levels, lack of fire drills, and insufficient emergency equipment and firefighting resources, which advocates and union officials said contributed to the tragedy's severity.

A texting scam impersonating the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has resurfaced with an updated message, asking recipients for payments or personal information. The scam, known as "smishing," originally began in early June across multiple states and was updated again in mid-July 2025. Massachusetts officials are warning residents to be cautious of unsolicited RMV text messages requesting money or personal data.

The FBI Boston Division is warning New Englanders of an increasing surge in scam calls from fraudsters impersonating federal agents and law enforcement officials who use intimidation tactics—threatening arrest, property confiscation, or bank account freezes—to pressure victims into sending money via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, 778 complaints were filed across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, resulting in total losses of $12.9 million. The FBI emphasizes that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not call threatening arrest or demanding payment, and victims should hang up immediately, contact their financial institutions, and report the scam to local police

This is an educational podcast episode featuring cybersecurity expert Steve Weisman discussing scam prevention and identification strategies. The episode covers various scam types (including VA imposter and "free piano" scams), the role of AI in modern fraud schemes, and protective measures such as a "zero trust" verification approach where all transactions—particularly checks—must be independently confirmed before trusting them.

The FBI's Boston Division has reported a spike in "vishing" scams across New England in which callers impersonate law enforcement and government officials to extort money or steal personal information, with recent cases in Berkshire County demanding $2,500 for fake warrant clearances. In 2024, approximately 17,367 people nationwide reported losses exceeding $405 million from government impersonation scams, with over 500 Massachusetts victims losing around $9.5 million. Legitimate law enforcement agencies never call threatening arrest or demanding immediate payment; victims should verify caller identity, avoid engaging, and report suspected scams to local police and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Two Nigerian nationals, Osakpamwan Henry Omoruyi (37) and Osaretin Godspower Omoruyi (36), were convicted by federal jury in Boston of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and money laundering conspiracy for operating romance scams and pandemic unemployment assistance fraud schemes. Between 2019 and 2021, the defendants used fraudulent passports to open fake bank accounts that collected over $1.7 million in proceeds from romance scams, which they then transferred overseas. Both face sentencing in September 2023, with potential sentences up to 30 years in prison for the fraud charges.

Thirteen individuals were charged for operating a transnational elder fraud scheme from a call center in the Dominican Republic that defrauded over 400 U.S. seniors of more than $5 million. The scammers used scripts to convince elderly victims that relatives needed emergency financial assistance, sometimes targeting victims multiple times, and enlisted rideshare drivers to transport victims to banks for additional withdrawals before laundering the money back to the Dominican Republic. Nine suspects were arrested while four remain at large.

A 31-year-old St. Louis-area man, Chaman Silverio Balbuena, has been indicted as part of a 13-person grandparent scam operation that defrauded over 400 elderly victims of more than $5 million. Balbuena, along with co-conspirators in the Dominican Republic, used fake emergency calls claiming grandchildren needed legal fees for accident-related lawsuits, then employed him as a "runner" to collect cash via rideshare drivers—netting at least $350,000 from 25 victims between November 2022 and February 2023. He faces charges for conspiracy to commit mail and wire frau

A transnational elder fraud ring operating a call center in Santiago, Dominican Republic, defrauded over 400 elderly victims (average age 84) out of more than $5 million through "grandparent scams," with at least 50 victims in Massachusetts. Thirteen individuals have been charged in connection with the scheme, which involved callers posing as grandchildren in distress and then as attorneys requesting emergency funds; four suspects remain at large while nine are in custody. Federal authorities shut down the operation following a two-year investigation and are urging victims to come forward without shame, noting that such schemes are increasingly sophisticated, sometimes aided by AI.

A transnational elder fraud ring based in the Dominican Republic was disrupted after a two-year investigation resulting in nine arrests and four additional charges, with 13 suspects identified in total. The scheme defrauded over 400 victims (average age 84) of more than $5 million across Massachusetts, Florida, California, Maryland, and New York by using bilingual callers posing as distressed grandchildren in accidents or legal trouble, followed by a "closer" impersonating an attorney, then a "runner" collecting cash via rideshare services. Alleged ringleader Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia and associates face charges including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering,

Thirteen individuals, led by Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia, were charged for operating a transnational "grandparent scam" call center in the Dominican Republic that defrauded over 400 elderly victims (average age 84) across the United States, resulting in more than $5 million in losses, including at least 50 victims in Massachusetts. The scheme involved callers posing as grandchildren in distress or their attorneys, instructing victims to send cash via rideshare drivers or mail, and often requesting additional payments through fabricated stories. The defendants allegedly laundered the illicit proceeds back to the Dominican Republic through money launderers and bank accounts in the United States.

Federal authorities dismantled a transnational "grandparent scam" operation based in the Dominican Republic that defrauded over 400 victims nationwide, including at least 50 in Massachusetts with an average age of 84, stealing more than $5 million. The scheme involved call center employees posing as grandchildren in distress or their attorneys, instructing elderly victims to send cash via rideshare drivers or mail, with some victims targeted multiple times for additional funds. Thirteen individuals were charged, with eleven arrested on Tuesday, after a two-year joint investigation by the FBI and Dominican Republic authorities, and the stolen proceeds were laundered back to the Caribbean.

Thirteen Dominican Republic citizens have been charged with operating a sophisticated grandparent scam that defrauded approximately 400 U.S. seniors out of $5 million by posing as their grandchildren in distress and repeatedly extracting money from victims. The victims, averaging 84 years old and located across Massachusetts, California, New York, Florida, and Maryland, were targeted with calls claiming emergencies such as car accidents or arrests, with fraudsters sometimes contacting the same victims multiple times. Nine suspects are in custody while four remain at-large, each facing conspiracy charges for mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering with potential sentences up to 20 years in prison.

Thirteen people were charged in a sophisticated transnational elder fraud ring that operated from call centers in the Dominican Republic and defrauded over 400 Massachusetts senior citizens of approximately $5 million in combined losses. The defendants used a coordinated system of "openers" posing as distressed grandchildren, "closers" impersonating lawyers, and "runners" collecting cash, often making repeated calls to victims to extract additional payments for fabricated emergencies. Alleged mastermind Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia and other defendants used rideshare drivers as unwitting money couriers, with nine suspects arrested, two remaining at large in the U.S., and two at large in the Dominican Republic.

Federal investigators charged 13 people operating from Dominican Republic call centers in a grandparents scam that defrauded approximately 400 elderly victims (average age 84) of over $5 million. The scammers impersonated grandchildren requesting emergency funds, then used Uber drivers to transport cash from victims' homes to middlemen and eventually to the Dominican Republic, with ringleader Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia allegedly using stolen money to fund a lavish lifestyle including purchasing a boat. Uber flagged the scheme to the FBI and subsequently implemented driver training changes to prevent similar fraud.

Federal authorities dismantled a transnational elder fraud ring based in the Dominican Republic, charging 13 individuals led by Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia with defrauding over 400 elderly Americans of more than $5 million. The sophisticated scheme employed "openers" who posed as grandchildren in emergencies, "closers" who impersonated lawyers demanding fees, and "runners" in the U.S. who collected cash from victims' homes, with money laundered back to the Dominican Republic. Many victims experienced repeated calls threatening escalating emergencies and suffered emotional trauma, with some too ashamed to report the fraud to their families.

Thirteen individuals were charged with operating grandparent scam call centers based in the Dominican Republic that defrauded approximately 400 older adults (average age 84) of over $5 million across the United States by posing as family members in legal trouble needing bail money. Nine of the defendants are in custody, including ringleader Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia, while four remain at large; the perpetrators used dark web data to target victims, employed scripted calls, and laundered proceeds toward luxury purchases and home upgrades.

A 31-year-old St. Louis-area man, Chaman Silverio Balbuena, was indicted as part of a "grandparent scam" network that defrauded over 400 elderly victims of more than $5 million between November 2022 and February 2023. Balbuena and 12 others orchestrated the scheme by having callers in the Dominican Republic impersonate grandchildren claiming to need emergency bail money, then used rideshare drivers to collect at least $350,000 from at least 25 victims. Balbuena faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering, an

A transnational grandparent scam operating from the Dominican Republic was dismantled following a two-year investigation, with suspects from New York, Massachusetts, and the Dominican Republic charged after defrauding at least 400 elderly victims of over $5 million. The sophisticated operation used call centers with "openers" posing as grandchildren in emergencies and "closers" impersonating lawyers demanding cash, with unwitting rideshare drivers recruited to transport victims to banks and deliver money; the scheme was uncovered when Uber flagged suspicious rides and alerted federal authorities. At least nine suspects were arrested facing wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering charges carrying up to 20

Scammers posing as grandchildren are targeting elderly individuals by claiming emergencies (car accidents, arrests, etc.) and requesting urgent money transfers; thirteen Dominican Republic nationals were recently charged with defrauding approximately 400 U.S. grandparents of nearly $5 million across Massachusetts, California, New York, Florida, and Maryland. To protect themselves, grandparents should verify callers' identities through personal questions or video calls, avoid sharing financial information over the phone, and refrain from sending money immediately even if the caller claims to be a distressed family member.

The U.S. Justice Department charged 13 individuals involved in a transnational elder fraud scheme that defrauded approximately 400 seniors across the United States of more than $5 million. The defendants included operators of bogus call centers, money collectors, and money launderers who targeted elderly victims to steal their savings and Social Security benefits.

A transnational grandparent scam operation based in the Dominican Republic defrauded over 400 elderly victims (average age 84) of more than $5 million, with at least 50 victims from Massachusetts, using fake calls claiming grandchildren needed emergency money. Thirteen suspects, including alleged mastermind Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia, faced charges after a two-year FBI investigation, with the scheme involving "opener" and "closer" call center employees who posed as family members and lawyers, directing victims to hand cash to rideshare drivers for delivery. The operation highlights the emotional and financial devastation of elder fraud and the importance of bank scrutiny for unusual senior withdrawals

An off-duty police officer in Waltham, Massachusetts prevented an elderly man from losing $12,000 to a Bitcoin scam after recognizing a fraudulent caller impersonating Apple Customer Support and the FTC who instructed him to deposit money into a Bitcoin machine. The incident highlights a broader problem, as federal investigators recently charged 13 people involved in a separate scam targeting hundreds of elderly victims with an average age of 84, who were deceived by callers posing as grandchildren.

A married elderly couple in Throop, New York lost nearly $25,000 in a grandparent scam after receiving a call claiming their grandchild was in trouble; the couple's local case was part of a larger federal investigation that charged 13 people involved in a transnational elder fraud scheme operating from the Dominican Republic that defrauded over 400 victims of approximately $5 million nationwide, with at least 50 victims in Massachusetts averaging 84 years old. Local deputies arrested three suspects and recovered the couple's money, while federal authorities determined the scammers used call centers in the Dominican Republic and unsuspecting rideshare drivers as intermediaries to funnel stolen funds

Federal investigators charged 13 people, including alleged ringleader Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia, in connection with a "grandparent scam" operation based in the Dominican Republic that defrauded approximately 400 elderly victims (average age 84) of over $5 million. The scammers posed as grandchildren in distress and used accomplices posing as lawyers to pressure victims into withdrawing cash, which was then collected by Uber drivers and laundered; Uber's security team helped the FBI uncover the scheme by flagging suspicious activity. Many victims lost tens of thousands of dollars each, and authorities warn that most will not recover their money, with four suspects still at large.

A 53-year-old woman, Andrea Hull-King, was extradited to the U.S. Virgin Islands to face charges after defrauding an elderly relative of $26,730 between October 2021 and January 2022. Hull-King unlawfully registered the victim's Banco Popular account for online access and transferred funds to her personal account using her relative's credentials. She was apprehended in Massachusetts in August 2025 on an outstanding warrant and charged with multiple offenses including grand larceny, identity theft, and financial exploitation of an elderly person.

Adams Community Bank announced a partnership with Carefull, a financial safety platform, to offer free fraud and scam protection to its account holders, making ACB the first bank in Western Massachusetts to provide this service. The Carefull platform monitors accounts for unusual activity, detects romance scams and other financial exploitation, analyzes suspicious communications, and provides secure storage for important documents and records with $1 million identity theft insurance. This initiative reflects ACB's commitment to protecting seniors and their families as elder fraud cases continue to rise.

Debora A. Siler, 68, of East Weymouth, Massachusetts, was charged with bank fraud for stealing approximately $61,685 in Social Security benefits over five years by fraudulently accessing the account of a deceased beneficiary. From June 2015 through September 2020, Siler forged checks and made debit card withdrawals from the account after the beneficiary died in May 2015, without reporting the death to authorities. She faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

A 51-year-old former postal inspector in Massachusetts was arrested and charged with 45 counts, including stealing over $330,000 from elderly victims (average age 75) who had been defrauded by lottery scams and mailed cash to scammers. Kelley, who ironically led the Mail Fraud Unit investigating such scams, intercepted packages flagged by the Postal Service's anti-fraud algorithm, stole the cash from victims attempting to recover their losses, and laundered the money through money orders and multiple bank accounts to fund personal expenses including a pool patio and Caribbean cruise. He also stole $7,000 from an evidence locker and falsely blamed another inspector

Tech support scams cost consumers $1.464 billion in 2024, with scammers impersonating major tech company representatives and tricking victims—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—into believing their computers have security problems requiring expensive paid services. Common tactics include fraudulent pop-ups with phone numbers, phony calls with spoofed caller IDs, and requests for remote computer access or cryptocurrency payments; legitimate tech companies never initiate contact about security problems, request remote access, or demand cryptocurrency payment. One Massachusetts man was nearly defrauded of $12,000 through a cryptocurrency ATM before an off-duty police officer intervened.

Scott Kelley, a 51-year-old former U.S. Postal Inspector in Massachusetts, was indicted on 45 counts for stealing over $330,000 in cash from nearly 1,950 packages mailed by elderly victims between January 2019 and August 2023, with seven identified victims averaging 75 years old who mailed between $1,400 and $19,100 each. Kelley, who previously led the Mail Fraud Unit investigating scams targeting seniors, used postal employees to intercept packages, stole cash from an evidence locker, and laundered the money on personal expenses including pool upgrades, Caribbean cruises, and escort services while filing

Scott Kelley, a 51-year-old former US Postal Inspection Service team leader who oversaw the Mail Fraud Unit from 2015-2023, was indicted on 45 counts for stealing more than $330,000 from packages sent by elderly scam victims (average age 75) and using the funds for personal expenses including home renovations, escorts, and vacations. Kelley allegedly manipulated postal workers into intercepting approximately 1,950 packages flagged as belonging to lottery scam victims, then laundered the stolen cash through money orders and multiple bank deposits while never returning any funds to the victims. He faces up to 20 years in prison on

A former U.S. Postal Inspector in Massachusetts was indicted on 45 counts for stealing over $330,000 in cash from nearly 1,950 packages mailed by elderly victims (average age 75) who had been duped by lottery scams originating in Jamaica. Scott Kelley used his position as Mail Fraud Unit team leader to intercept packages containing $1,400 to $19,100 in cash each, launder the proceeds through home improvements and personal expenses, and falsely blame a subordinate for theft from an evidence locker. He pleaded not guilty and was released on $25,000 bond.

Scott Kelley, a 51-year-old former U.S. Postal Inspection Service team leader who oversaw the Mail Fraud Unit, was charged with stealing over $330,000 from packages sent by elderly scam victims (averaging age 75) and laundering the money for personal use including home renovations, vacations, and escort services. Between 2019 and 2023, Kelley allegedly deceived postal employees into intercepting approximately 1,950 packages from victims of a Jamaican lottery scam, opened them without authorization, and stole the cash inside—none of which was recovered by the victims. Kelley faces up to 20 years

**Scam Type:** Mail interception fraud and money laundering related to Jamaican lottery scheme targeting elderly victims **What Happened:** Former U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Kelley, 51, was arrested and indicted on 45 counts for allegedly stealing over $330,000 in cash from approximately 1,950 packages sent by elderly victims of a Jamaican telemarketing scam between 2019-2023. Kelley, who led the Mail Fraud Unit tasked with investigating scams targeting seniors, allegedly used his position to intercept victim mail, launder proceeds through money orders and multiple bank deposits, steal $7,000

Former U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Kelley, 51, of Massachusetts, was indicted on 45 counts for stealing over $330,000 in cash from packages mailed by elderly victims of a Jamaican lottery telemarketing scam between 2019 and 2023. Kelley, who led the Mail Fraud Unit investigating senior citizen scams, used his position to intercept approximately 1,950 flagged packages, launder the proceeds through money orders and multiple bank accounts, and even framed a subordinate for a separate $7,000 evidence locker theft. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each wire fraud and mail frau

Federal authorities arrested 13 individuals involved in a transnational emergency/grandparent scam operation that defrauded over 400 victims of more than $5 million. The scammers impersonated distressed family members via calls, texts, or social media, claiming arrests, accidents, or emergencies to pressure victims into sending money via payment apps, sometimes even using fake mugshots or voice-cloning technology to enhance credibility. To protect themselves, people should verify urgent requests by contacting family members directly, avoid sending money through untraceable payment methods, and alert police if anyone offers to pick up cash in person.