A Canadian con man who bilked at least 60,000 U.S. residents through a cross-border telemarketing scheme has been sentenced to federal prison.
A judge in Los Angeles sentenced Mark Wilson on Monday to more than 11 years behind bars.
WATCH: How to protect yourself from scams and identity theft
Prosecutors say the Vancouver man targeted mainly the elderly with a scheme that sold them a non-existent credit card protection service.
The victims were charged about $300 for phoney protection against — ironically — fraudulent credit card charges.
Get breaking National news
Authorities say the scam raked in about $18 million from people in 37 states.
READ MORE: RCMP arrest 11 alleged fraudsters in Montreal linked to ‘grandparent scam’
Prosecutors say Wilson funded a lavish lifestyle that included luxury boats, a fleet of cars, Las Vegas gambling jaunts and an offshore bank account in the South Pacific.
In March, Wilson was convicted of mail and wire fraud.
- Ryan Wedding’s alleged ‘cocaine lawyer’ pitches plan if released at bail hearing
- Canada lists 4 new terrorist entities, including online extremist groups
- FBI on the hunt for 73-year-old woman wanted in $30M bank fraud scheme
- FBI shares new Ryan Wedding photo as search for alleged drug lord continues
Comments