A 25-year-old Ukrainian man is facing serious legal consequences after authorities in Cumberland County, Tennessee, say he attempted to defraud an elderly resident out of $50,000.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), working in collaboration with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Division, launched an investigation into the case on June 18. According to the CCSO, the incident unfolded when an elderly victim living in the Midway community reported receiving a disturbing phone call demanding a $50,000 payment.
The caller allegedly claimed to be associated with the Federal Trade Commission and told the victim they were under investigation and needed to pay the sum to resolve the issue. To further intimidate the victim, the scammer warned that if they reported the incident to anyone including law enforcement or bank officials, they would be in violation of the so-called “Privacy Protocol Act of 1974.”
“This is a common tactic scammers use on victims to keep them from alerting banks or law enforcement of their schemes,” the CCSO said in a statement. Scammers often invoke fake laws and threats of legal trouble to intimidate individuals into silence, making it easier for them to steal money or personal information.
But in this case, law enforcement turned the tables.
In a strategic move, deputies from the CCSO, with support from cybercrime specialists at TBI, orchestrated a sting operation that ultimately led to the arrest of the suspect, identified as Volodymyr Katauev. Authorities described their success in “scamming the scammer,” intercepting the transaction before any money could be lost and taking Katauev into custody without incident.
Following his arrest, Katauev was transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for further processing. Additionally, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a hold on him, indicating possible immigration-related proceedings in addition to the criminal charges.
He is currently being held on a $400,000 bond.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the lengths to which scammers will go to exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communications, especially those involving demands for money, threats of arrest, or claims of government affiliation.
“This case underscores the importance of staying informed and speaking up,” the sheriff’s office added. “Scammers rely on fear and secrecy to succeed. If something doesn’t feel right, always reach out to local law enforcement or a trusted family member.”
Law enforcement officials say the investigation remains ongoing and are encouraging anyone who may have had contact with Katauev or received similar calls to come forward.
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