Cleveland Woman Sentenced for $46K Elderly Fraud Case
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Tanya Alahmad, a Cleveland resident, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for stealing over $46,000 from an elderly individual. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the sentencing on Monday, which also includes a restitution order for the full amount stolen.
Fraudulent Scheme Revealed
Alahmad, 46, was found guilty of forging a power of attorney between November 2019 and February 2022. During this period, she developed a friendship with the victim and frequently stayed at their home, offering to clean and run errands. However, she took advantage of this trust by forging the victim’s signature to gain control over their finances.
Unauthorized Purchases and Financial Loss
Investigators discovered that while the victim was hospitalized and in a rehabilitation facility, Alahmad used her forged power of attorney to write checks and make unauthorized purchases from the victim’s bank account. The fraudulent activities resulted in a financial loss exceeding $46,000 for both the victim and their bank.
Legal Proceedings and Restitution
In March, Alahmad pleaded guilty to charges of mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. The court’s decision requires her to pay back the stolen funds and serve a prison term as part of her sentence.
Reporting Elder Fraud
If you suspect that you or an elderly person you know may be a victim of fraud, it is crucial to seek help. You can report such cases to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311, or file a report online.
