ATLANTA, GA (TIP): Two Dalton residents, Amit Patel, 37, and Dishaben Patel, 28, were arrested in Monticello, Kentucky, on March 19 in connection with a scam that defrauded an elderly woman of tens of thousands of dollars. The pair face charges of Theft by Deception over $10,000, Exploitation of an Adult, and Engaging in Organized Crime.

Authorities say the scam began on March 12 when the victim’s computer froze and displayed a fraudulent message instructing her to call a number. When she did, scammers posing as Federal Trade Commission (FTC) agents told her that her identity had been compromised and convinced her to withdraw $52,000 in cash. She placed the money in a shoebox and handed it to a man who arrived at her home.
A similar incident occurred on March 17, when the victim was pressured into withdrawing an additional $32,000, which she again handed over. A third cash pickup for $50,000 was scheduled for March 19, but by then, authorities were tracking the transactions. After the suspects retrieved the shoebox, police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Castle and Elk streets in Monticello. Officers recovered the cash and arrested Patel and Patel.
Investigators have not disclosed whether the suspects targeted other victims or if similar schemes were conducted in the Dalton area. Both remain in custody at the Wayne County Detention Center as the investigation continues.
Authorities urge residents, particularly seniors, to be cautious of unsolicited messages claiming security threats to their computers or finances. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.