INDIANA — A 21-year-old New York man has been arrested after allegedly scamming a Fishers resident out of more than $200,000, according to police.
Anmolpreet Singh, of Levittown, New York, faces two felony fraud charges and one felony theft charge.
The Fishers Police Department said the investigation began April 30 after a resident reported being the victim of what investigators described as an “elaborate fraud scheme.”
According to police, the suspect claimed to be affiliated with federal agencies and convinced the victim to send cryptocurrency deposits and wire transfers totaling more than $200,000.
Investigators said the suspect also sent the victim a fake arrest warrant and instructed them to arrange an in-person cash transaction involving $50,000.
Police said detectives believed the victim would continue to be targeted, so officers coordinated a plan to intercept the suspect during the planned exchange.
On May 4, the suspect reportedly told the victim he would arrive in Fishers around 4:30 p.m. Detectives used Flock camera technology to identify the suspect vehicle entering the area and drones to monitor its movements, police said.
Investigators said the suspect drove in a manner consistent with counter-surveillance tactics and attempted to arrange a hand-to-hand exchange with the victim, a method police say is commonly used to avoid detection.
Officers later conducted a traffic stop and took Singh into custody.
“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.”
Police are reminding residents to be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails or messages claiming to be from government agencies or law enforcement, especially when demands for money, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or secrecy are involved.
