An Oregon man who was scammed out of nearly $100,000 by criminals posing as FBI agents at his doorstep has teamed up with real agents to catch the imposters, according to a report.
An 83-year-old Salem, Oregon man, identified only as Virgil, was tricked into a sophisticated scam that began with a pop-up on his computer, leading him to believe he was in communication with real federal agents.
"I turned on the computer and it went crazy," said Virgil, according to NBC Portland. "I couldn't believe I was talking to the FBI."
Virgil said he was told to download software that granted the scammers remote access to his computer. After incessant pressure from the thieves, Virgil liquidated his assets and handed over $90,000.
Virgil said he also feared for his family's safety, which left him little room to make another decision.
"If it comes to money or family, I'm going to go with family every time. And I did," said Virgil.
Upon realizing he had been duped, Virgil got in touch with the real FBI, who ultimately helped orchestrate a sting operation to catch the criminals.
Virgil was to meet with the criminals on April 3 to deliver an empty decoy box filled with no cash, while enforcement officials waited nearby.
Ramaraj Ganesan thought he was pulling up to Virgil's driveway to collect the money, but he was instead immediately taken into custody. Ganesan was also found with gold bars, worth $85,000, from another victim.
After further investigating the matter, agents discovered that the scheme had affected multiple people across the country. Ganesan admitted to stealing from individuals in Florida, South Carolina, Arizona, Utah, and Washington, according to court records obtained by the outlet.
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