Two suspects are behind bars for allegedly defrauding people in south Reno out of nearly $50,000.
On February 10th Washoe County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to reports of fraud. Victims reported being scammed out of $49,300 according to a Sheriff's Office press release.
The scheme involved d suspects impersonating both Amazon’s fraud department and a Federal Trade Commission officer.
Even after the initial theft, the scammers continued pressuring the victims for additional payments.
Working together, Washoe County Patrol Deputies, Washoe County Property Detectives, the Northern Nevada Regional Intelligence Center, and the Human Exploitation and Recovery Operations Unit worked to identify and arrest the scammers after they arrived in Northern Nevada to collect additional money.
On Wednesday two suspects, identified as Mohjid Singh and Habri Harmal, were arrested in connection with the case.
They were charged with crimes including theft, value $3,500 or greater - elderly victim; exploit older or vulnerable person, $5,000 or greater; two counts of conspire to abuse, exploit, or isolate an older or vulnerable person.
All the listed charges are felonies.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating whether the two suspects were involved in previously similar fraud cases in the Northern Nevada area.
Scammers frequently impersonate law enforcement or government agencies to demand payments under false pretenses. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office urges the community to stay vigilant.
- Law enforcement will never call to demand payment.
- Hang up immediately if asked for money or personal information.
- Verify suspicious claims by contacting the courts or Sheriff’s Office directly.
- Report scam calls to local authorities.
- Law Enforcement and/or legitimate businesses will never ask for money to be safeguarded in cryptocurrency.
