Sixth defendant receives 168-month sentence for role in $11 million scam that targeted elderly victims in Michigan and across the U.S., exploiting tech support fears.
$11 Million Fraud Scheme Targets Elderly in West Michigan and Nationwide
In a recent court decision underscoring efforts to combat elder fraud, Everette Jhamal Thibou, 32, of Tampa, Florida, was sentenced to 168 months in prison for his role in an international fraud scheme. The scam targeted elderly victims, stealing $11 million from 50 individuals across Michigan and beyond. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, led by U.S. Attorney Mark Totten, emphasized the grave emotional and financial toll the scheme took on its victims.
“These defendants preyed on vulnerable seniors with alarming persistence,” said Totten. “Our commitment to holding fraudsters accountable, especially when they exploit the elderly, remains unwavering.”
Elaborate Scam Employed Fake Tech Support, Federal Agents
The scheme, according to court records, employed several tactics to defraud victims. The primary ruse began with fraudulent pop-ups or messages on victims’ computers, falsely warning them of a virus infection. Victims were prompted to call a support number, where they encountered individuals posing as employees from well-known tech companies such as Microsoft or Apple. However, these “technicians” were part of a network of scammers based in India who, through various tactics, pressured victims into surrendering their money.
The scammers used several deceptive stories:
- Victims were told their bank accounts had been compromised and were instructed to withdraw cash for safekeeping with fake “federal agents.”
- Victims were warned of computer viruses requiring costly “technical support” services.
- Some were falsely informed they were implicated in a criminal investigation and needed to pay to clear their names.
The end result in each scenario was the same: victims, misled and frightened, handed over their money to the fraudsters. They paid by meeting with imposters posing as federal agents, mailing cash, wiring money, or purchasing gift cards.
Sentencing and Continued Investigations
Thibou’s sentencing marks the sixth conviction in this case. Other defendants sentenced include:
- Jmyla Elaine Sha’taria White, Thonotosassa, Florida: 97 months
- Jayesh J. Panchal, Hicksville, New York: 78 months
- Jorrel Tyler Jackson, Riverview, Florida: 78 months
- Vijaya C. Shetty, Jackson Heights, New York: 63 months
- McKhaela Katelynn McNamara, Flint, Michigan: 51 months
A seventh defendant, Pragneshbhai M. Patel, of Amityville, New York, remains at large, with a warrant for his arrest issued in 2023.
Federal Elder Fraud Hotline Available to Victims
To assist those affected by similar scams, the Department of Justice has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311). This service, available weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, provides direct support to elderly victims, guiding them through the reporting process and connecting them with appropriate resources. Reporting incidents of elder fraud promptly can aid in recovery efforts and help prevent future scams by raising awareness…