Security News > 2023 > September > Robocall scammers sentenced in US after netting $1.2M via India-based call centers

Two Indian nationals each received 41-month prison sentences for their involvement in $1.2 million worth of robocall scams targeting the elderly, according to the district of New Jersey's attorney's office on Tuesday.

Plantiffs Arushobike Mitra and Garbita Mitra both previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud before receiving their sentences in Newark federal court.

The Mitras themselves acted as money mules, individuals that would pick up and transfer cash shipments for a cut, in Florida and New Jersey, according to the US District Court in New Jersey [PDF].

The court determined a total of 48 victims had transferred money ranging from $9,500 to $50,000 each to make up the $1.2 million.

According to call blocking firm Robokiller, the number of robocalls Americans receive has overall been trending downward, having hit an estimated 7.46 billion in October 2022 and declined to 5.67 billion last month.

Even if the nuisances are on the decline, the firm predicts [PDF] that losses from scam robocalls in 2023 are likely to total a value near 2022's value of $65 billion.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2023/09/20/court_sentences_two_to_41/