Pradip Parikh and Alpesh Patel have been convicted for their involvement in a transnational telephone scam that defrauded Americans of millions. The conviction follows a five-day jury trial.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commented on the case, stating, “This case involved a scheme to defraud multiple victims – many of whom were elderly – and to callously rob them of their hard-earned savings.” He added that the defendants exploited trust in federal institutions through government-imposter scams.
Michelle L. Anderson from the Social Security Administration highlighted the impact on vulnerable citizens, saying, “These defendants deliberately preyed on some of our most vulnerable citizens—particularly the elderly—by impersonating Social Security officials and exploiting their trust.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent Paul Brown emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable community members: “This sentencing should make it known to individuals that protecting our most vulnerable community members is critically important.”
The charges stem from activities in 2022 when Parikh, Patel, and others ran an India-based call center scam targeting Americans by posing as Social Security Administration employees. Victims were told their Social Security Numbers were compromised and directed to send money to accounts controlled by the conspirators.
During the trial, victims testified about transferring large sums of money under threat of arrest or asset loss. One victim transferred over $600,000, while another sent more than $300,000 to accounts linked to Parikh and Patel.
Parikh and Patel faced charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Patel was convicted on all counts; Parikh was convicted on conspiracy to commit money laundering and two substantive counts of money laundering.
The maximum penalties for these charges include up to 20 years for wire fraud conspiracy and ten years for each count of money laundering. Sentencing will be determined by United States District Judge William M. Ray II at a future date.
The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General and the FBI. Prosecutors Angela Adams and Diane C. Schulman are handling the case.
This case is part of efforts by the Department of Justice Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force focusing on foreign-based fraud schemes affecting American seniors.
For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.
