India-based Amazon scam leads to almost a $1 million dollar loss for elderly victim in Missoula

MISSOULA - A man originally from India accused of stealing almost $1 million from the elderly appeared in federal court on charges on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

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. If convicted, Mohammed faces a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. 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, Montana, 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 "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. 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Missoula County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation.

A complaint is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

PACER case reference. 25-40.

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