Two Suspects Detained for Allegedly Defrauding Seniors in Multistate ‘Grandparent Scams’

Two individuals have been detained and are currently facing federal charges for their alleged involvement as couriers in scams that preyed on senior citizens across various states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts. United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha made the announcement after Roberto Munoz of Florida and Jason Rhodes of New York were charged with wire fraud conspiracy and identity theft. The official report from the

U.S. Attorney’s Office

states the men appeared in court last Friday and were subsequently released with GPS monitoring conditions.

In what’s known as grandparent scams, the elderly are duped into believing a family member is in legal trouble and urgently requires money. Authorities describe a telephone call informs victims of the predicament, persuading them to hand over cash to a courier. Munoz and Rhodes, who were active in early March, are accused of collecting around $230,000 from multiple victims, having been informed by other members of the scheme who were stationed in the targeted communities.

The plot unraveled when one pair of grandparents, after handing over $18,000, contacted the police upon being asked for an additional $40,000. When the courier, identified as Rhodes, showed up to collect the money, the Warwick Police, who had set up surveillance with hope of discerning understanding in the grandparents’ home, took him into custody. Munoz was later arrested in a car nearby. According to the

U.S. Attorney’s Office

, more than $60,000 in cash and other items were seized in a subsequent search.

Further investigation has linked the men to scam victims in multiple Rhode Island and Massachusetts communities, and possibly in other states as well. A device in Rhodes’ possession had chat messages from Munoz, which allegedly contained information about potential victims.

The investigation remains active, and older individuals who have been victimized by such scams are encouraged to seek help. The National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833 FRAUD-11 offers support to seniors affected by financial fraud, providing resources and referrals suited to each case. Assistance is available seven days a week, with staff fluent in English, Spanish, and additional languages to ensure victims receive the help they need.

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