A man from the Bronx, New York, was charged in connection with targeting elderly people in what authorities are calling a “grandparent scam,” the U.S. Attorney District of New Jersey announced.

Officials say 39-year-old Victor Anthony Valdez allegedly acted as a courier for a Dominican Republic-based scam that targeted elderly Americans. Valdez was charged with wire fraud for his role in the scam.

According to the indictment, the scam operated from call centers in the Dominican Republic where callers would contact elderly victims claiming to be their grandchild and ask for cash for bail or other expenses.

Court documents allege that between 2020 and 2021, Valdez collected tens of thousands of dollars from defrauded victims of the scam at their homes in New Jersey and New York. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 if convicted.

Adults who are 60 years old or older who have experienced financial fraud, should call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC or by calling 877-FTC-HELP.