Scam leads to almost a $1 million loss for elderly victim in Missoula

MISSOULA, Mont. – A man originally from India accused of stealing almost $1 million from the elderly appeared in federal court on charges on Wednesday, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Montana.

Zabi Ullah Mohammed, 29, had an initial appearance on a complaint charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and impersonating a federal agent, the release said. Mohammed was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in the criminal complaint that in April 2025 Mohammed and others called an elderly victim in Missoula, posing as an Amazon representative and inquiring whether the victim purchased computer equipment. 

When the victim said she did not purchase any equipment, the Amazon representative claimed the victim’s identity was stolen and transferred the victim to the “Social Security Department” and the “U.S. Marshal," the release said. 

The “U.S. Marshal” said the money from the victim’s bank accounts needed to be “legalized,” and an agent showed up on multiple occasions to pick up cash and gold from the victim’s residence, the release said.

Law enforcement caught Mohammed when he returned to the victim’s house a final time. 

After searching Mohammed’s vehicle, law enforcement found airline tickets, car rental documents, and a bag containing approximately $68,987 in cash, the release said.

If convicted, Mohammed faces a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release.