Scam Traced to Indian Call Centers Stole Nearly $50M from Older Americans

Authorities in Maryland and the FBI shut down three call centers in India behind the massive fraud scheme.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Authorities say a scam out of India that preyed mainly on older Americans and stole a "staggering" sum of nearly $50 million from more than 600 people across the US has finally been stopped. Maryland and federal officials announced the results of a yearlong investigation tied to three Indian call centers that were raided and shut down by authorities in that country.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of international fraud schemes targeting vulnerable populations, particularly older Americans with retirement savings. The massive scale of the theft, over $50 million, underscores the need for greater consumer protections and international cooperation to combat these types of transnational crimes.

The details

Callers from the three Indian call centers posed as federal agents or tech support workers and persuaded victims that their money was unsafe in the bank. After victims turned their savings into gold bars or wire transfers, the scammers sent couriers to collect the loot under the guise of safekeeping. Six alleged ringleaders have been arrested, and Montgomery County prosecutors have indicted 10 couriers, with several already convicted.

  • The yearlong investigation was announced on February 4, 2026.

The players

Jimmy Paul

FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Baltimore field office.

John McCarthy

Montgomery County State's Attorney.

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What they’re saying

“A staggering amount of money. It's infuriating and it's unfair.”

— Jimmy Paul, FBI Special Agent in Charge (Washington Post)

“They're targeting people who have retirement money, who have pensions, who have investments, who've maybe sold their homes.”

— John McCarthy, Montgomery County State's Attorney (ABC News)

What’s next

The six alleged ringleaders have been arrested, and Montgomery County prosecutors have indicted 10 couriers, with several already convicted. Authorities are continuing to investigate the full scope of the fraud scheme and pursue additional charges.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for greater consumer protections and international cooperation to combat transnational fraud schemes that target vulnerable populations, particularly older Americans with retirement savings. Vigilance and education are key to preventing such large-scale thefts in the future.