SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The FBI is warning people of Indian descent to be wary of a targeted extortion scheme which could end violently.
The FBI Sacramento area office is investigating the scheme where they say suspects threatened violence or death to the targeted individuals if a large sum of money is not given over.
Interactions usually start over the phone with demands and threats, but could end with in-person interactions. Some victims have reported “targeted shootings at their residences and vehicles,” according to the FBI.
While many may be familiar with more common scams — calls, texts or emails by someone usually out of the country pretending to be someone or something else to get victims to send money — Sid Patel, the special agent in charge of the Sacramento FBI office, says this is entirely different.
“This is not fraud. This is true extortion,” he said. “(Suspects) basically demand money and then they threaten violence.”
No specific number of reports has been released, but officials say those targeted are people of Indian descent and “business owners, influential members or individuals with what is perceived to be large amounts of money,” said Patel.
He says there’s been an uptick in crimes against people of Indian descent in the last six months to a year, globally, and believes Sacramento is seeing targeted cases in part due to having one of the largest Sikh communities in the world.
Patel says these cases are underreported and encourages anyone with information to call the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or submit a tip online HERE. Anyone who believes their life is in danger should call 911.
“If you see something, say something. We will do something. We're here to protect you and our communities,” said Patel. “Extortion is illegal in this country, so if someone is extorting you, demanding money from you and then threatening you with violence? That is extortion, please report it to us.”
The FBI’s fill warning can be viewed in English, Hindi, East Punjabi and Urdu HERE.
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