They say family is everything, but to scammers, your family is just another payday. A Dominican national living in Cleveland has been indicted for his role in an elaborate grandparent scam that tricked elderly victims into handing over more than $50,000. This case is just one piece of a growing global fraud network that is robbing seniors of their savings—sometimes without them even realizing they’ve been scammed.
Federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania have charged Luis Alfonso Bisono Rodriguez, 34, with receiving stolen money across state lines. Investigators say he worked with partners in the Dominican Republic to pose as family members, attorneys, and bail bondsmen, convincing at least five elderly victims to send large amounts of money.
But the scam didn’t stop there. New evidence suggests this fraud ring has links to cases across the U.S., including in Connecticut and Kentucky.
How the Grandparent Scam Works
- The Fake Emergency Call – Scammers pretend to be a grandchild in trouble, claiming they’ve been in an accident or arrested.
- A Web of Lies – The caller transfers the victim to a "lawyer" or "bail bondsman" who claims immediate payment is needed for legal fees.
- Secret Cash Drop – Victims are told to place cash in an envelope labeled "legal documents" and give it to an Uber or Lyft driver, unaware they are participating in a scam.
- Money Laundering – The stolen money is delivered to Rodriguez in Ohio, where he deposits it and wires a portion to the Dominican Republic.
- Repeat Targeting – Some victims are scammed multiple times under the pretense of "additional legal fees."
Who’s Being Targeted?
- Seniors (ages 70+), especially those living alone.
- Grandparents who are emotionally invested in their families and may react impulsively.
- People who are less familiar with scam tactics or new payment methods.
Real-Life Example
In one case, a 91-year-old victim in Pennsylvania received a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, David. The caller said he was in an accident and needed $9,000 for bail. To make it seem real, the scammer transferred him to a fake lawyer, who confirmed the story. The victim withdrew cash and gave it to a rideshare driver, believing it was a legal procedure.
Security footage later showed Rodriguez retrieving the cash from drop-off locations, often wearing the same maroon sweatsuit and olive-colored beanie.
Why You Should Care
Scammers aren’t just stealing money—they’re preying on emotions. The FBI estimates that elder fraud scams cost seniors over $3.4 billion annually, and many cases go unreported due to embarrassment or fear. This particular scheme has ties to international crime rings, making it even more dangerous.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify the Emergency – If a relative calls for help, pause and verify. Call them directly or check with another family member.
- Resist the Pressure – Scammers create panic to stop you from thinking clearly. Always take a moment before sending money.
- Never Send Cash or Gift Cards – Lawyers and bail bondsmen never request payments this way. If someone asks for cash deliveries, it’s a scam.
- Use a Family Code Word – Establish a secret word or phrase only your family would know. If an emergency call comes, ask for it.
- Report Suspicious Activity – If you receive a call like this, hang up and report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Quick Tips & Updates
Did You Know? Scammers use social media to gather personal details about family relationships. Avoid posting too much personal information online.
Pro Tip: If someone calls pretending to be your grandchild, ask them a specific question—like their childhood pet’s name or a favorite teacher. Scammers won’t know the answer.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keyword Definitions
- Grandparent Scam: A fraud scheme where criminals impersonate a grandchild to trick seniors into sending money.
- Money Laundering: The process of disguising illegally obtained money to make it appear legitimate.
- Phishing: A scam where criminals pretend to be someone trustworthy to steal personal information.
- Elder Fraud: Financial crimes that target older adults, often through manipulation or deception.
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