Fla. Man, 33, Charged With Swindling Minn. Senior Citizens

HASTINGS (WCCO) -- A 33-year-old Florida man has been charged with allegedly scamming senior citizens from multiple places in Minnesota, the Dakota County Attorney's Office announced Wednesday.

Robert Attias of Miami, whose whereabouts are unknown, was charged by warrant with one felony count of theft by swindle.

From January to February 2010, Attias would allegedly call unsuspecting elderly people, pose as their relative or an attorney for their relative and convince them to wire money for bail, car repair or other costs.

Attias, if convicted, could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a $6,000 to $20,000 fine.

Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom is urging Minnesota residents to be aware of scams of this nature and to never forward money, credit card information or other personal information to people without verifying their identity.