Elderly Ohio resident targeted in phishing scam for over $100,000; 1 person arrested

NOBLE COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — A New York man is behind bars after deputies in Noble County were alerted to a potential fraud scheme against an elderly resident.

Phishing scams are the fraudulent use of emails, text messages, phone calls, or pop-ups that mimic reputable companies.

Officials say the scammers use these methods to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, bank account information, or social security numbers.

Noble County Sheriff Jason Mackie stated, “Statistically, the elderly population is more vulnerable to these scams and when people target the elderly in our community, it gets our attention.”

According to Sheriff Mackie, the victim in this case suffered losses that totaled around $130,000.

Officials say the scammer acted as a representative from a financial institution and spent countless hours on the phone with the victim to develop a rapport with them and gain their trust over several months.

The victim switched from an out-of-town bank to a local bank, which was when the suspicious activity was first recognized.

Sheriff Mackie stated that representatives of the bank, as mandated reporters, had observed some questionable activity and called the sheriff’s office. Corporal

Justice May initiated the investigation, which uncovered over $100,000 in electronic funds being transferred from the victim’s previous bank account and $30,000 cash, which the “fraud department” instructed the victim to withdraw.

The victim explained to investigators that the “fraud department” sent someone to meet with her in Noble County on September 14, 2024, to collect the $30,000 so they could secure it.

On October 3, 2024, the scammer instructed the victim to withdraw another $30,000 from their account and stated they would send someone to pick it up.

Detectives with the Noble County Sheriff’s Office worked with the victim and intercepted MD Golam Sarwar of Queens, New York, who arrived in Noble County to pick up the $30,000.

Sheriff Mackie and detectives and deputies apprehended Sarwar, who was arrested and transported to the Noble County Jail.

A search warrant was executed on the Sarwar’s vehicle, and detectives recovered over $143,000 that was hidden in the vehicle along with a money counter, suspected narcotics, and paraphernalia.

MD Golam Sarwar was charged with Theft, a third-degree felony; attempted Theft, a fourth-degree felony; Telecommunications Fraud, a felony of the third degree; and Possession of Criminal Tools, a felony of the fifth degree.

Sarwar was given a $175,000 bond, which was posted on October 8, 2024, and released.

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