BERKELEY COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is highlighting the results of a fraud investigation that began after a county resident reported being the victim of a sophisticated scam.
On June 16, 2025, Lt. Adam Boothby of the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation after a resident reported receiving an unsolicited Apple Pay transaction alert via text message.
The message claimed a payment had been made and instructed the recipient to contact a listed customer support number. After calling the number, the victim was drawn into what authorities described as a government-impersonation scam.
According to investigators, the suspects falsely claimed the victim was the subject of criminal investigations and used fear and intimidation to coerce her into providing a large sum of money.
Lt. Boothby completed an initial report and advised the victim to file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov), which is operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The victim was also encouraged to report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission and the National Elder Fraud Hotline for additional assistance.
Preliminary findings by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office indicated the suspects were operating out of Jaipur, India.
Through separate international law enforcement efforts, Jaipur Police later executed coordinated raids on two fraudulent call centers in that city.
Authorities arrested approximately 60 individuals and seized 57 desktop computers, three laptops, fraudulent arrest warrants, forged court documents, and counterfeit materials falsely claiming to be issued by U.S. federal agencies, including the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service.
As a result of the victim’s report to IC3.gov, she was later contacted by the FBI and is now assisting with the ongoing prosecution of the suspects.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to report all telephone- and internet-based fraud attempts through IC3.gov, noting that timely reporting increases the likelihood of identifying and prosecuting international criminal groups.
Residents are also encouraged to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, texts, or emails involving financial matters or claims of government action.
Authorities remind the public that legitimate agencies do not demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or request money through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Sheriff Blair commended Lt. Boothby for his work on the case, citing his follow-up efforts and professionalism in ensuring the victim was connected with appropriate federal resources.
The sheriff’s office also thanked the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the National Elder Fraud Hotline, and international law enforcement partners, including authorities in Jaipur, for their cooperation.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office welcomes anonymous tips regarding narcotics violations, wanted persons, or other criminal activity. Tips may be provided by calling 304-267-7000 or by submitting information online through the sheriff’s office website.
