Missourian Accused in $5 Million Grandparent Scam by FBI

Even one scam is one too many, but this one is extremely vicious with the average age of the victims being 84 years old. The FBI is accusing a Missouri man along with a dozen others in what they are describing as the "grandparent scam" which has resulted in more than 400 seniors of being robbed of more than $5 million dollars.

The FBI in St. Louis just shared an update on their Facebook page showing the script allegedly used by 13 individuals including one Missourian.

According to the FBI, one person would call a senior and pretend to be their grandchild who had been in an accident. Another person would follow up that call and portray that they were the grandchild's attorney requesting money. They would allegedly tell the victims to give cash in a package to a runner nearby. Some victims were contacted multiple times by those who were allegedly a part of this conspiracy.

Here is the Missouri man the FBI says is accused to be a part of this conspiracy to rob hundreds of seniors:

Chaman Samael Silverio Balbuena, a/k/a “Chammy,” 31, of Defiance, Missouri accused of being part of a runner conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; and money laundering. Currently in custody.

Other details of the case can be found in court papers shared by the FBI.