Title: Cyber Fraud Network Dismantled in Dominican Republic: 24 Suspects Arrested

Subtitle: Operation to Combat Transnational Scam Calling Elderly Victims in the US

Santo Domingo – In a coordinated operation targeting transnational cyber fraud, Dominican authorities arrested 24 suspects on charges of defrauding elderly American victims through coercive phone calls.

Discovering the Scam Network

• The Dominican National Police, through its Specialized Cybercrime Unit, investigated a series of complaints from victims, mostly based in the US.
• The Unit’s Investigation Division collaborated with foreign law enforcement agencies to locate the suspects and dismantle their operations.

The Scam and Its Tactics

Victim Targeting:

• The 24 suspects, whose ages range from 18 to 35, mostly young tech-savvy Dominicans, allegedly called elderly people in the US.
• They pretended to offer a technical support service, often claiming victims’ computers were hacked or otherwise compromised.

Payment Methods:

• The scam artists convinced victims to transfer funds through various payment methods, such as:
  • Wire transfers
  • Gift cards
  • Online payment platforms

Magnitude of Losses:

• In some cases, victims handed over tens of thousands of dollars before realizing they had been defrauded.

Importance of Public Awareness

• The Dominican Police urged people to be cautious and urged the following:
  • Verify the identity of contacts
  • Refrain from engaging in financial transactions based on unsolicited calls or emails

Protecting Against Cyber Fraud

• According to the National Center for Disaster Fraud, senior citizens are disproportionately affected by cybercrime.
• For more information on how to protect yourself or a loved one from cyber fraud, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft and Online Scams website.

Previous Operations against Cybercrime in Dominican Republic

• In 2020, the Dominican authorities seized computers, cellphones, and other equipment in a separate operation targeting a cybercrime network involved in distributing malware and viruses through phishing emails.

Collaborative Efforts

• The operation was supported by the US Federal Trade Commission, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the US Embassy in Santo Domingo.
• If you have any information on cybercrime or similar fraudulent activities, contact your local law enforcement agency or consult with a trusted technology professional.