Indian citizen charged in financial scam targeting elderly Rhode Islanders

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — An Indian citizen living in Dorchester, Mass. has been charged after allegedly targeting elderly Rhode Island residents in a financial scam where he posed as a federal official.

Samyag Uday Doshi, 25, in the U.S. on a student visa, is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, according to the office of Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. 

According to Bloom’s office, a Newport resident allegedly paid Doshi $54,000 in cash in the scam, and he attempted to obtain a total of $385,000 from the victim.

The scam started when the resident received a voicemail about a reported phony purchase and was told to call a provided phone number.

The alleged scammer claimed to be a federal official, and told the victim that he was under investigation for multiple charges including money laundering.

The individual then allegedly told the victim they could help him in the investigation.

Over a three-week period, the victim was allegedly directed to make several cash withdrawals totaling tens of thousands of dollars.

The money would then be be mailed out of state, or provided in person to “couriers” who the victim met locally.

The victim also inquired about buying hundreds of thousands of dollars in gold bars.

This inquiry was believed to have been made at the direction of the alleged scammer.

The victim contacted law enforcement after the scammers allegedly attempted to arrange an in-person delivery of $45,000 in cash on November 17.

Law enforcement surveilled the meeting spot, and Doshi was taken into custody upon his arrival, according to Bloom’s office.