Two Arrested in Multi-Million Dollar Scam Targeting Seniors

SENIOR SCAM ALERTS
Week of May 18:

• FBI Warning: Scammers Using AI to Impersonate Senior Government Officials

• National Senior Fraud Awareness Day

• Retired IRS Agent Sentenced to 12 Years for Scamming Elderly Woman of Life Savings

SENIOR SCAM NEWS
💰 Reno Police Break Up Multi-Million Pig-Butchering Scam That Targeted Seniors With Fear and Fraud

This week, we’re spotlighting another “pig butchering” scam. And suprisingly, it’s not some overseas operation. This time, the criminals were in the US, allowing authorities to capture them.

Two men from California were arrested in Reno on May 14 in connection with a multi-state elder fraud operation that stole millions of dollars from elderly victims. Their method? Fear, lies, and fake federal badges.

Let’s break down what happened—and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling into similar traps.

The Setup: Fear Meets Fraud

The scam, known as pig butchering, isn’t as gruesome as it sounds—but it is just as calculated. In this case, criminals impersonated federal law enforcement officers—including U.S. Marshals—and convinced a 64-year-old woman from Truckee, California, that her assets were under criminal investigation.

In a carefully orchestrated plan between April and May 2025, the scammers used aggressive and terrifying tactics to isolate their victim, emotionally manipulate her, and pressure her into making repeated large withdrawals of cash and gold bullion.

Instead of asking for money electronically, they insisted she meet with "agents" in person—making the con feel more legitimate. These phony agents claimed they needed to “secure” her assets during the investigation. In total, the woman lost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The Takedown: A Coordinated Police Sting

On May 14, officers from the Reno Police Department, working with multiple law enforcement agencies, set up a sting operation in the 2000 block of East 2nd Street in Reno. There, they arrested two men:

• Amit Bhanwala-Singh, 31, of Clovis, California

• Anil Kumar, 35, of Fresno, California

The suspects were caught red-handed while attempting to pick up a fake gold package worth over $213,000—a decoy prepared by the police to bait them into action.

Both men were booked on serious charges, including:

• Attempting to obtain money under false pretenses exceeding $100,000

• Exploitation of an older person involving more than $5,000

Why This Scam Works—and How to Beat It

This kind of fraud isn’t about technology—it’s about psychological manipulation. Criminals play on fear and urgency, pretending to be high-level law enforcement officials or government agents to gain control over their victims.

Here’s what you need to know:

✔ No federal agency will ever demand cash, gold, or asset transfers over the phone—or in person through unknown agents.
✔ If someone claims you're under investigation and demands payment, hang up and call local police.
✔ If something feels off—even slightly—trust your gut and speak to a trusted family member or friend.
✔ Keep lines of communication open with older relatives. Scammers try to isolate victims by telling them not to talk to anyone.

From the Authorities: A Reminder to the Community

Let’s make sure that message is loud and clear across every household.

Final Word: Let’s Protect Each Other

Scams like these are cruel and calculated—but they rely on silence and fear to succeed. By staying informed and talking openly about fraud, we can stop these predators in their tracks.

If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam like this, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11.

Until next week—stay sharp and stay safe.

Warmly,

Seth
Senior Scam Alerts