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Atlanta, 4 July 2025 – Following a five-day jury trial, Pradip Parikh, 67, of Valley Stream, New York, and Alpesh Patel, 40, of Louisa, Virginia, have been convicted for their roles in a transnational telephone scam that defrauded victims—primarily elderly Americans—of millions of dollars.
📞 Scheme Overview
The defendants were part of a broader network that operated India-based call centers, impersonating Social Security Administration (SSA) officials. Victims were falsely told their Social Security Numbers were linked to criminal activity, and were coerced into transferring funds to protect their assets. These funds were funneled into accounts controlled by Parikh, Patel, and other conspirators.
💸 Victim Testimony and Financial Impact
- A 70-year-old woman from New Jersey transferred over $600,000, including $150,000 to an account named JDM Management controlled by Parikh.
- A widowed mother of eight sent more than $300,000 to the same account.
- Patel operated an account under Seven Points Agency, which received $100,000 in two days, with $10,000 retained and the remainder forwarded to co-conspirators.
⚖️ Charges and Penalties
- Patel was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and two counts of substantive money laundering.
- Parikh was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering and two counts of substantive money laundering.
- Wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, while each money laundering count carries up to 10 years.
Sentencing will be determined by U.S. District Judge William M. Ray II at a future date.
🛡️ Government Response
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg condemned the scheme as a “callous robbery” of vulnerable citizens. SSA Inspector General Michelle L. Anderson emphasized the real harm inflicted on victims, while FBI Atlanta Special Agent Paul Brown reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting older adults from fraud.
The case was investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General and the FBI, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Adams and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane C. Schulman.
This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, which targets foreign-based scams affecting American seniors. For resources and scam alerts, visit the DOJ’s Elder Justice site.
