COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Southern Colorado deputies partnered with Florida law enforcement to arrest a suspect in a multi-state government impersonation scam.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO), a woman reported on Sept. 29 that she lost over $200,000 as a result of the alleged scam. The victim also gave deputies detailed information regarding the man who collected cash from her at her home on Sept. 11.
Deputies said detectives identified the suspect as Harish Vadla, 27, after an in-depth investigation.
Deputies said Vadla, a foreign national from India living in the United States on a visa, has been linked to several similar scams targeting elderly victims across the United States.
EPCSO partnered with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida and found and arrested Vadla. Law enforcement recovered a small portion of the stolen funds during Vadla’s arrest.
He is currently in custody awaiting extradition to Colorado. He faces multiple felony charges, including at-risk robbery, money laundering and conspiracy to commit theft.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives believe there may be additional victims.
According to EPCSO, the victim will receive a phone call from an individual claiming to work for a federal agency, and will tell the victim they are is being criminally investigated.
The scammer will then gain access to the victim’s computer via an email or website link. Through this process, they access the victim’s bank account or demand gold or cash.
The scammer will then tell the victim that a government agent will come to their home or meet them to pick up the currency or funds.
Deputies urge residents who believe they were targeted or victimized by similar scams to contact the EPCSO Tip Line at (719) 520-7777.
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