FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A transnational fraud scheme uncovered.

"We exposed a complex fraud led by gangs that drained the life savings of elderly victims," FBI Special Agent in Charge, Sid Patel said.

Federal officials have arrested 15 people accused of running a fraudulent telemarketing scheme that targeted elderly Americans.

Investigators say the suspects contacted victims who owned or previously owned timeshares through phone calls and emails.

Authorities say the accused criminals used various tactics to steal victims' money, then laundered it through shell companies and financial accounts before transferring funds to gang-controlled bank accounts in the U.S., Latin America and other regions.

"They first convinced their victims to buy nonexistent timeshares. Next, they posed as a

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