A London-based scam that targeted the elderly bilked some 150 people out of $13 million in the U.S., including an 89-year-old Highland Heights man.
Authorities arrested a man they say was involved in a scheme to defraud some 150 elderly residents out of $13 million in a scheme that involved rare wines and whiskey.CLEVELAND, Ohio— A scheme targeting the elderly across the country bilked some 150 people out of $13 million by promising high returns on investments in rare wine and whiskey, according to the FBI.
U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Tom Parker set Alexander’s bond at $50,000 at his initial appearance.Alexander worked for three companies that authorities said carried out the scam: Charles Winn LLC, VWC LLC and Windsor Jones LLC. All are based in the England. When some wanted to pull their investments, the companies’ representatives either ignored the requests or gave excuses, including that the companies were restructuring and they would have to wait for their money. The representatives then tried to sell more whiskey and wine, promising even higher returns.FBI agents uncovered the scheme after the Highland Heights man reported the incident to police, who found several others across the country making similar complaints about the three companies.