A Cleveland man, originally from the Dominican Republic, faces federal charges for allegedly swindling tens of thousands of dollars from elderly individuals in Western Pennsylvania, a scam victimizing at least five from October 2024 through January 2025, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Luis Alfonso Bisono Rodriguez, 34, was indicted on five counts related to a grandparent fraud scheme in which scammers impersonated grandchildren in urgent need of financial help. Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti informed the press that Rodriguez, already under arrest since last week, participated in a network spanning Pennsylvania and Ohio. Federal agents believe there are more victims across multiple states who have yet to come forward. They urge anyone with information to contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
The indictment claims that Rodriguez met with Lyft and Uber drivers at various locations across Northern Ohio to collect money fraudulently taken from grandparents. These actions, caught on surveillance footage, enabled Rodriguez to wire the ill-gotten gains back to the Dominican Republic or deposit them in bank accounts.
The FBI, alongside multiple police departments in both Pennsylvania and Ohio, led the investigation resulting in this indictment; Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is handling prosecution for a case enveloping small-town and urban landscapes alike, with agencies like the Millcreek Township and Parma Police Departments involved.
