Man defrauds 72-year-old victim out of $13K, Philly DA says  

A man accused of defrauding a 72-year-old victim out of thousands of dollars was held for court, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced on Monday, April 20.

Patrick Vassor, 41, of Pompano Beach, Florida, is charged with conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, theft by failure to make required deposition of funds, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and theft by unlawful taking.

In April 2025, a 72-year-old man responded to a text from someone claiming to be from his bank who was asking about a fraudulent transaction. The man received more texts and phone calls telling him that the FBI required him to move a large amount of money to a new account as part of a “money laundering investigation.”

The man deposited $13,000 into a Wells Fargo account from an ATM. After realizing he had been scammed, however, the man filed a police report.

Investigators determined Patrick Vassor owned and used the account that the $13,000 was deposited into. Investigators also said other transactions into that account were consistent with fraud. Vassor was eventually arrested and charged.

“Scammers, who are becoming highly sophisticated, routinely target elders because they tend to have more assets,” Krasner said. “This is not about being embarrassed or ashamed — it is about working together to support victims of crime and hold bad actors accountable for their actions. Our office remains deeply committed to protecting senior citizens in Philadelphia.”

The victim of the incident also spoke during a press conference on Monday and shared a statement on his experience.

“Being scammed is incredibly difficult. It’s embarrassing, it’s humiliating, and it leaves you unsure of what to do or how to fight back. These scammers are professionals — they work at their craft every single day,” the man said. “You’d be surprised how many people have fallen victim. For many of us, especially those raised in a time when trust came more naturally, this reality is hard to accept. But we have to relearn how to protect ourselves, and that starts with awareness.”

While Krasner said the case is expected to head to trial, court records don’t show a scheduled start date.

NBC10 reached out to Vassor’s attorney who said he will send a statement on his client’s behalf. We will include that statement once we receive it.