Five people were arrested in connection with an organized scheme that defrauded dozens of seniors across Philadelphia, according to District Attorney Larry Krasner. On Thursday, May 21, Krasner announced multiple charges against Detoine Davis, Winston Haynes, Michael Turner, Anthony Ringgold and Mark Chappell after he said they defrauded at least 35 seniors of more than $500,000 in Northwest and Southwest Philadelphia since June 2024. Officials said they believe there may be more than 150 victims. “A pretty outrageous, despicable victimization of a large number of seniors,” Krasner said. Gillian Dagress, Assistant District Attorney in the Elder Justice Unit, said the suspects would start by contacting older adults, impersonating as a representative from a financial institution or a public utility such as PECO, PGW or the Water Department. According to Dagress, the suspects would tell the victim, who had just paid a bill, that there was a problem with their account and that they would send someone to “fix” it. “They are sending someone to the house. They are getting debit card information from these older adults, along with the actual physical debit cards,” she said. Investigators said the suspects would then collect debit cards and financial information, including the victims’ PINs. Dagress said the men accused in the scheme would make personal purchases, get money orders and transfer money to their own personal accounts. Mariel Delacruz with Victims Services said scams like this don’t just drain bank accounts, they also leave many seniors too afraid to speak up. “To have your last dollar taken from you is really hurtful,” Delacruz said. The suspects are accused of 14 charges, including conspiracy, corrupt organizations, identity theft, theft of mail, receiving stolen property, impersonating a public employee and others. Officials said Ringgold and Haynes are being held on a $1.8 million bail, Turner and Chappell are being held on a $5.4 million bail, and Davis is in the hospital and hasn’t been arraigned. According to Krasner, his office expects to make more arrests in connection with the scheme. NBC10 Responds found that elder fraud is only growing. According to FBI data, complaints from seniors jumped 37% in just one year, with reported losses topping $7.7 billion in 2025. These are some of the biggest red flags: Anyone telling you not to tell others about your payment Pressure to pay immediately Someone showing up in person asking for money or financial information If you believe you are a victim, or know someone who may have been a victim of this crime, you are encouraged to call the hotline at 215-686-5710. NBC10 Responds reached out to the lawyers of two of the men who have representation. We are waiting to hear back. ...read more read less