A 76-year old-Ann Arbor woman was scammed out of nearly half-a-million dollars in cash and gold in what federal authorities are calling a sophisticated “phantom hacker” scam.
According to federal investigators, scammers contacted the woman under the guise of computer support. They convinced her to grant remote access to her computer, then claimed her bank had mistakenly overpaid her and she needed to return the “excess funds.”
Over a series of days and weeks, the woman was persuaded to withdraw large amounts of cash and even purchase gold bars. She then left the money and gold outside her home for pickup by people tied to the scheme.
On May 28, investigators arrested one individual who arrived to collect nearly $30,000 in cash. That person told authorities he was directed by Vatsal Pankajkumar Mistry and two others.
Federal authorities say Mistry’s role in the scheme stretched into Ohio, where additional victims were targeted. He was charged on September 17, 2025, and booked into the Lucas County Jail in Ohio on September 18, 2025. He made his first court appearance shortly after, where he waived a preliminary hearing and the case was sent to a federal grand jury.
Mistry faces federal charges including money laundering conspiracy, concealment money laundering, and promotion money laundering. During interviews, he admitted to making multiple pickups and receiving $500 per parcel but denied organizing or directing others. He also admitted he knew what he was doing was illegal but said he needed the money.
Mistry remains jailed in Ohio under an ICE detainer, meaning he will not be released pending further proceedings.
The FBI warns that phantom hacker scams are an increasing threat targeting elderly victims in Michigan, Ohio, and across the country. The scams often involve fake computer warnings, remote access, and false financial “overpayments” that trick victims into handing over life savings in cash, gold, or cryptocurrency.
