They say family always comes first, but scammers are proving that, for them, your family is just another paycheck. A Cleveland resident from the Dominican Republic, Luis Alfonso Bisono Rodriguez, has been indicted for running a grandparent scam that tricked elderly victims into handing over thousands of dollars. This isn’t just a one-off scheme—it’s part of a larger, organized fraud network targeting seniors across the U.S..
A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has indicted Rodriguez on charges related to receiving stolen money across state lines. Investigators say he was a key player in a fraud ring that stole over $50,000 from seniors in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The scheme, which lasted from October to January, likely has more victims who have yet to come forward.
How the Grandparent Scam Works
- The Fake Emergency Call – Scammers pose as a grandchild in distress, claiming they’ve been in an accident, arrested, or need urgent financial help.
- Emotional Manipulation – The caller begs the grandparent not to tell their parents and to send money immediately.
- Cash Collection – Instead of wire transfers, the scammers use rideshare drivers (like Uber or Lyft) to pick up cash from victims.
- Money Laundering – The stolen money is then delivered to Rodriguez, who wires it to the Dominican Republic or deposits it into bank accounts.
- The Cycle Continues – Once a victim pays, scammers often target them again, claiming additional fees or fines.
Who’s Being Targeted?
- Elderly individuals, particularly those who live alone.
- Grandparents who are emotionally invested in their families.
- People who may not be familiar with scam tactics or technology.
Why You Should Care
This isn’t just about losing money—it’s about manipulation, fear, and exploitation. The FBI estimates that elder fraud scams cost seniors over $3 billion annually. Many victims never report the crime out of embarrassment, meaning the actual number could be much higher.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify the Emergency – If you receive a distress call from a "grandchild," pause and check. Call the grandchild directly or confirm with another family member.
- Beware of Urgent Requests – Scammers create a sense of panic to stop you from thinking clearly. Take a moment to assess the situation.
- Never Send Cash or Gift Cards – Real emergency situations don’t require untraceable payments. If someone asks for cash pickups or gift card payments, it’s a scam.
- Set Up a Family Code Word – Create a secret word with family members that only they would know. If someone calls claiming to be in trouble, ask for the code word.
- Report Suspicious Activity – If you or a loved one has been targeted, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Quick Tips & Updates
📢 Did You Know? Scammers often research their targets using social media. Avoid sharing personal details about your family relationships online.
⚠️ Pro Tip: If someone calls claiming to be a relative in trouble, ask them something only your real grandchild would know—like a pet’s name or a childhood memory.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keyword Definitions
- Grandparent Scam: A type of fraud where scammers impersonate a grandchild to trick elderly victims into sending money.
- Money Laundering: The process of disguising stolen money to make it appear legitimate.
- Phishing: A fraud technique where criminals pretend to be someone you trust to steal your personal information.
- Elder Fraud: Financial crimes that specifically target senior citizens, often through manipulation or deception.
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