PHILADELPHIA, PA — A 72-year-old man lost $13,000 in a bank impersonation scam, and prosecutors say a Philadelphia defendant now faces multiple felony charges after the case was held for court, the District Attorney’s Office announced Monday.
Patrick Vassor, 41, is charged with offenses including conspiracy and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities in connection with the April 2025 fraud targeting victim Greg Sclight, according to District Attorney Larry Krasner.
Investigators traced funds to suspect’s account
The case advanced after a preliminary hearing where charges were held for court, clearing the way for formal prosecution. Authorities say the investigation linked the stolen money directly to a bank account controlled by Vassor.
According to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Sclight initially received a text message appearing to come from his bank about a suspicious transaction. He was then contacted by individuals claiming to be connected to the FBI, who instructed him to move money as part of a supposed “money laundering investigation.”
Believing the request was legitimate, Sclight deposited $13,000 into a Wells Fargo account using an ATM.
Pattern of similar transactions uncovered
Detectives later determined that the account receiving the funds belonged to Vassor and had been used in other transactions consistent with similar fraud schemes.
Investigators also identified additional instances of comparable activity tied to the same account, suggesting a broader pattern beyond a single victim.
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Key Points
• Philadelphia man charged after $13,000 scam targeting 72-year-old victim
• Funds traced to account allegedly owned and used by defendant
• Case held for court; formal arraignment scheduled for April 24
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Officials warn of rising elder fraud schemes
District Attorney Larry Krasner said scams like this increasingly target older adults, who may be more vulnerable to sophisticated impersonation tactics.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Sclight’s experience is not unique,” Krasner said. “Scammers, who are becoming highly sophisticated, routinely target elders because they tend to have more assets.”
He added that combating these crimes requires both accountability and public awareness.
Assistant District Attorney Alex Blumenthal credited Detective Justin Peyton of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Central Detective Division with building the case.
“It’s through his exceptional investigation of this financial fraud that this defendant is being brought to justice,” Blumenthal said.
Victim describes impact of scam
Sclight said the experience was both emotionally and financially difficult, describing feelings of embarrassment and uncertainty after realizing he had been deceived.
“These scammers are professionals—they work at their craft every single day,” he said. “You’d be surprised how many people have fallen victim.”
He emphasized the importance of documenting communications and acting quickly, noting that his records helped investigators pursue the case.
What comes next
Vassor faces multiple charges, including conspiracy (F1), dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities (F1), theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and related offenses.
A formal arraignment is scheduled for April 24, 2026, as the case moves forward in Philadelphia court.
Current status
The case has been held for court, and Vassor is expected to be formally arraigned later this week while prosecutors continue pursuing the fraud charges.
Philadelphia District Attorney, elder fraud, financial crime