NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Shelby Township, Michigan, May 14, 2025: A 25-year-old Indian student on a visa has been arrested and charged with scamming an elderly couple out of $50,000 in cash, according to local authorities.
Vedantkumar Bhupenbhai Patel, a resident of Toledo, Ohio, was charged with one count of False Pretenses – $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, and one count of Larceny – $20,000 or more. Both charges stem from an elaborate fraud scheme reported to Shelby Township police on April 5.
According to investigators, Patel contacted the elderly couple by email, falsely claiming there were fraudulent credit card charges pending against them for the purchase of child pornography. He allegedly instructed the victims to withdraw $50,000 in cash to prevent the charges from being processed.
Two days later, Patel reportedly rented a vehicle and drove from Toledo to Shelby Township, where the couple handed over a box containing the cash.
Police were able to track the suspect using FLOCK camera systems. Further investigation revealed that Patel may have wired the stolen funds to his hometown in India. Authorities also uncovered attempts to scam the same couple—and potentially others—out of additional thousands of dollars.
Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide condemned the crime, stating, “People that prey on the elderly are the most despicable type of criminals that I have dealt with in my 38+ years of law enforcement experience, and our department will use every available resource to identify and arrest these types of evil criminals.”
Authorities have confirmed Patel is also under federal investigation in connection with at least two other similar scams targeting elderly victims across the country.
The case highlights a growing trend of fraud schemes targeting seniors, often involving impersonation and fear tactics. Law enforcement officials continue to warn the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communications.
