Chicago Man Caught For Impersonating FBI Agent

India-West News Desk

CHICAGO, IL – A 22-year-old Chicago resident was arrested during a law enforcement sting operation after authorities linked him to an alleged scam that cost an Illinois resident $40,000.

Parth C. Patel was taken into custody by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office after he allegedly arrived in Paw Paw to collect money as part of the scheme, investigators said.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the scheme began when the victim received a call claiming an Apple account had been compromised. The caller then transferred the victim to another individual who falsely claimed to be an FBI agent and said money was needed to help catch the alleged hacker.

Authorities said an unidentified individual collected $40,000 in cash from the victim on April 17.

Investigators said the victim was later asked to provide an additional $28,500. After learning of the alleged scam, detectives arranged a controlled cash pickup and arrested Patel when he arrived to collect the money.

Patel has been charged with theft by deception and attempted theft by deception. According to authorities, the charges involve amounts between $10,000 and $100,000 and are classified as Class 2 and Class 3 felonies under Illinois law.

Patel was lodged at the Lee County Jail following his arrest. Court records show he later appeared before a judge and was released pending further proceedings under Illinois’ pretrial release law. A hearing in the case was scheduled for May 21.