A Las Vegas man has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison after prosecutors said he helped lead a large-scale fraud and money laundering operation that targeted thousands of elderly victims across the United States.
Federal officials announced that 41-year-old Zhao Wang, also known as “Oscar,” received a 151-month prison sentence for his role in a scam network that caused more than $27 million in losses between 2021 and 2023.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, investigators identified approximately 2,000 victims nationwide, many of them older adults.
Scheme
Court documents stated that Wang was the lead defendant in a five-person indictment unsealed in 2024.
Prosecutors said the fraud operation involved several types of scams, including:
| Scam Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Technical support scams | Victims were told their computers had problems |
| Bank impersonation scams | Scammers pretended to represent banks |
| Government impersonation scams | Callers falsely claimed to be officials |
| Refund scams | Victims were tricked into returning fake overpayments |
Authorities said victims were contacted through unsolicited phone calls, emails, and pop-up advertisements directing them to call phone numbers linked to scam call centers based in India.
Tactics
Investigators said scammers used social engineering techniques to gain victims’ trust.
In many cases, victims were persuaded to install remote desktop software, allowing scammers to access their computers remotely.
One common tactic involved convincing victims they were owed a refund. Prosecutors said scammers then manipulated bank screens or transactions to make it appear that too much money had been refunded.
Victims were instructed to return the supposed excess funds through wire transfers or mailed packages.
According to federal authorities, Wang and others used fake identification documents to collect mailed cash and packages connected to the fraud.
Money Laundering
Officials said Wang admitted to laundering fraud proceeds through cryptocurrency transactions.
According to prosecutors, he kept approximately 18 percent of the stolen funds before transferring the remaining money to co-conspirators located overseas.
Investigators said the fraud network operated across multiple states and affected elderly victims in cities including San Diego.
Sentencing
U.S. District Judge Robert S. Huie described the scale of the fraud as “staggering” during sentencing proceedings.
The judge also called the operation “100 percent reprehensible,” emphasizing that elderly individuals were intentionally targeted because of their vulnerability.
Federal prosecutors highlighted both the financial and emotional impact the scams had on victims and their families.
At the sentencing hearing, family members of an 83-year-old victim spoke about the emotional damage caused by the fraud. According to prosecutors, the victim died shortly after being scammed.
Statements
Federal officials involved in the case said the sentence reflected the seriousness of targeting vulnerable populations for financial gain.
“This sentence recognizes the profound human cost of exploiting trust and treating vulnerable people as opportunities for profit,” U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said in a statement.
FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily also commented on the outcome.
“Today’s sentence ensures that Wang, the coordinator perpetrating the multitude of scams, is held accountable for his role,” Remily said.
Investigation
The investigation involved multiple federal agencies, including:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- San Diego Elder Justice Task Force
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mokhtari.
Federal authorities continue to warn the public about scams targeting older adults, particularly schemes involving fake refunds, technical support alerts, and impersonation tactics.
Awareness
Law enforcement agencies regularly advise consumers to avoid sharing financial information with unsolicited callers and to be cautious of requests involving wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or mailed cash.
Officials also encourage family members to discuss scam awareness with elderly relatives, as fraud schemes increasingly rely on psychological pressure and technology-based deception.
The sentencing concludes one of the larger elder fraud prosecutions handled by federal authorities in recent years involving victims across the country.
FAQs
Who was sentenced in the fraud case?
Las Vegas resident Zhao Wang was sentenced.
How much money was involved in the scheme?
The fraud caused more than $27 million in losses.
Who were the main targets of the scams?
The scams mainly targeted elderly victims.
How long is Wang’s prison sentence?
He was sentenced to 151 months in prison.
What agencies investigated the case?
The FBI, HSI, and other agencies investigated.
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