CA Man Arrested for Fraud Scam Against Elderly

People who prey on the elderly have no shame. Joseph Varrella, who is in a great deal of trouble with the Fresno County police, used an elderly woman’s insurance information to file false claims.

According to KSEE News, detectives from the Sheriff’s Office and the Fraud Division of the California Department of Insurance have discovered Varrella’s complex scheme to defraud elderly women and their insurance companies. Detectives interviewed one victim, a 67-year-old female who lives in a retirement facility, when they discovered that the woman was the victim of mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, and possibly bankruptcy fraud.

Varrella used her insurance to file false theft claims, from which he used the reimbursement money to purchase large amounts of gifts for himself. As if that wasn’t enough, police say that he would then deliver a kick to his victims while they’re down by actually stealing the previously reported stolen items.

Detectives recovered at least $150,000 in jewelry, stereo equipment, and tools which had been fraudulently reported as stolen and had insurance claims paid. Detectives also recovered $20,000 in cash.

Varrella is currently in custody and being charged with 21 felony counts of elder abuse and insurance fraud.