Fishers Police say a New York man has been arrested in connection with an elaborate fraud scheme that allegedly cost a Fishers resident more than $200,000.
According to police, 21-year-old Anmolpreet Singh of Levittown, New York, was arrested May 4 on felony charges of conspiracy to commit theft and conspiracy to commit fraud.
Investigators say the case began April 30 when a Fishers resident contacted police after believing they had been targeted by scammers posing as federal officials. Detectives say the suspects convinced the victim to complete multiple financial transactions, including cryptocurrency deposits and wire transfers totaling more than $200,000.
Police said the suspects also allegedly sent the victim a fake arrest warrant and instructed the person to make an in-person cash payment of $50,000.
Believing the scammers would continue trying to contact the victim, Fishers Police detectives worked with federal law enforcement partners to set up an operation aimed at intercepting those involved in the scheme.
According to police, the suspects told the victim they would arrive in Fishers around 4:30 p.m. on May 4 to collect the money. Detectives used Flock camera technology to identify the suspect vehicle as it entered the area, while officers also deployed drones to monitor movements in the neighborhood.
Police say investigators observed the suspect vehicle being driven in a manner consistent with counter-surveillance tactics. Detectives also said the suspect attempted to arrange a hand-to-hand exchange with the victim, a method authorities say is commonly used to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Officers eventually conducted a traffic stop and took Singh into custody without incident.
During the investigation, detectives determined Singh had been communicating with the victim and had knowledge of the fraud scheme, according to police.
“This case highlights the lengths scammers will go to manipulate and financially exploit victims,” Fishers Police Chief Ed Gebhart said in a statement. “We want our community to know that Fishers Police will use every tool available to identify, investigate, and pursue criminals who target our residents.”
Fishers Police are reminding residents to be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages claiming to come from government agencies or law enforcement officials, especially when demands involve cryptocurrency, wire transfers, cash payments, or secrecy.
Police emphasize that legitimate government agencies do not demand payment through cryptocurrency or threaten arrest over the phone.