Jason M. Frierson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
A Canadian national, Patrick Fraser, was extradited to the United States and appeared in a Las Vegas federal court on June 18. He faces charges of conspiracy and mail fraud related to fraudulent prize notice schemes, as announced by the Department of Justice and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Fraser, 44, from Alberta, Canada, was arrested on June 14, 2023, following a U.S. extradition request. A detention hearing on June 23 resulted in his being held pending trial. The indictment alleges that Fraser conspired with others to send fraudulent prize notifications claiming recipients had won over $1 million but required payment of a small fee. Many victims were elderly.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate stated, "The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting and pursuing those who perpetrate fraud schemes targeting America’s seniors." He expressed gratitude for Canada's assistance in the extradition process.
U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah emphasized ongoing efforts with international partners to combat transnational crime against older Americans through initiatives like the Elder Justice Initiative.
Eric Shen from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service warned potential fraudsters: "If you use fake prize offers to scam others, we’ll find you—and you will be held accountable."
Fraser is charged in a nine-count indictment and could face up to 20 years per count if convicted. The case is prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Ann Entwistle and Trial Attorney Charles B. Dunn of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch alongside Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez for Nevada.
Authorities continue investigations into similar cases of financial fraud against seniors. Victims or their acquaintances can seek support via the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11.
Additional resources for elder fraud victimization are available through the Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crime website and other official channels.
