A Dorchester student at UMass Boston is facing serious federal charges after authorities say he played a role in an elaborate scam that targeted an elderly victim in Newport, Rhode Island. According to the Boston Globe, 25-year-old Samyag Uday Doshi was arrested on November 17 and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.
Prosecutors say the scheme involved convincing the Rhode Island senior that they were under federal investigation and needed to withdraw large sums of cash to avoid legal trouble. Over several weeks, the victim allegedly handed over $54,000 in cash to people tied to the scam — with attempts totaling more than $385,000, including inquiries about purchasing gold bars.
Authorities arrested Doshi during what investigators say was a planned cash-delivery meeting. A federal magistrate judge ordered him held without bail, citing strong evidence and the risk that he could flee.
The case underscores the growing threat of elder-fraud schemes that use fear and urgency to pressure victims into handing over money. While the victim lives in Rhode Island, the arrest hits close to home for Dorchester residents — especially with a local college student now at the center of the investigation.
The federal case is ongoing.
You can read more details here.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
