Indian national sentenced to 51 months in jail for defrauding elderly woman in the US
The Hindu
A 24-year-old Indian national has been sentenced by a US court to 51 months in jail for defrauding an elderly American woman of USD 150,000 through a computer-hacking scheme, a US attorney said.
A 24-year-old Indian national has been sentenced by a US court to 51 months in jail for defrauding an elderly American woman of USD 150,000 through a computer-hacking scheme, a US attorney said.
The defendant, Sukhdev Vaid of Haryana, pleaded guilty in December 2023 to wire fraud.
He defrauded the woman through an international computer-hacking scheme that targeted elderly Americans nationwide and resulted in more than USD 1.2 million in total losses, US Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
The court ordered that upon release from custody, Vaid would be remanded to the Bureau of Customs and Immigration Enforcement for deportation and ordered Vaid to pay USD 1,236,470 restitution.
“It has become all too common for people outside of our country to victimise Montanans, especially as it relates to wire fraud, and get away with it. But not this time. Vaid is going to federal prison due to the sophistication and tenacity of the FBI, for which I am grateful,” Mr. Laslovich said.
“'’Phantom Hacker’ scams layer imposter tech support, financial, and government personas to gain access to someone’s computer and personal information. Sadly, these scams are increasingly targeting our seniors. Adding to the depravity of this particular case is that the scammer travelled overseas to collect the victim's money in person,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI.
Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said it is a reminder to all citizens that these scams occur frequently and can be devastating. “I urge everyone to exercise caution; do not allow strangers access to your computer, bank accounts, or personal information,” he said.
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