Atlanta, GA—In a distressing case of elder financial exploitation, Amit Patel, 37, and Dishaben Patel, 28, both from Dalton, Georgia, were arrested on March 19, 2025, in Monticello, Kentucky. The couple faces charges including Theft by Deception over $10,000, Exploitation of an Adult, and Engaging in Organized Crime.
Key Facts:
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Suspects: Amit Patel (37) and Dishaben Patel (28) from Dalton, Georgia.
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Victim: An elderly woman from Monticello, Kentucky.
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Amount Defrauded: Over $80,000 extracted through deceptive means.
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Date of Arrest: March 19, 2025
The fraudulent activity began on March 12 when the victim's computer froze, displaying a message instructing her to call a provided number.
Upon calling, she was connected to individuals posing as Federal Trade Commission (FTC) agents who falsely informed her that her personal information had been compromised. They convinced her to withdraw $52,000 in cash, place it in a shoebox, and hand it over to a man who arrived at her residence.
A similar incident occurred on March 17, with the victim withdrawing an additional $32,000 under the scammers' instructions. A third transaction was scheduled for March 19, involving $50,000. By this time, authorities were monitoring the situation.
After the suspects collected the shoebox, police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Castle and Elk streets in Monticello, leading to the recovery of the cash and the arrest of Amit and Dishaben Patel.
Community members have expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the vulnerability of seniors to such scams. Elder advocacy groups emphasize the importance of educating older adults about potential fraud schemes and encouraging open communication with trusted family members regarding financial matters.
This case underscores the growing issue of financial scams targeting the elderly, often involving sophisticated tactics that exploit trust and technological vulnerabilities. It serves as a reminder for communities to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting vulnerable populations from financial exploitation.
Do You Know?
According to the National Council on Aging, financial scams targeting seniors are considered "the crime of the 21st century," with losses estimated in the billions annually.
Key Terms:
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Theft by Deception: A criminal act involving obtaining property or money through deceit or misrepresentation.
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Exploitation of an Adult: Illegally or improperly using an adult's resources for personal benefit, particularly when the victim is unable to consent or understand.
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Engaging in Organized Crime: Participating in coordinated illegal activities, often involving multiple individuals working together to commit crimes.