“We will work with our law enforcement partners in the United States and around the world to bring to justice criminals who target Americans,” declared Brian M. Boynton, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, emphasizing the Department of Justice’s commitment to protect Americans from fraudulent schemes regardless of their origin. This statement underscores the resolve of law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, to safeguard consumers from the likes of Patrice Runner, the man who orchestrated one of the most notable mass-mailing fraud schemes of recent times.

Runner, a 57-year-old Canadian and French citizen, was the puppet master of an elaborate scheme that spanned two decades and swindled over $175 million from victims, primarily within the United States. In a predatory strategy that targeted the elderly and vulnerable, Runner sent letters to millions of American consumers, pretending to be personal communications from renowned psychics, one of whom was Maria Duval. This deceptive tactic is now infamously known as the “Maria Duval Scam”.

Nobody could resist the charm of Runner’s narrative. Through his letters, he promised people a chance to unlock wealth and joy with his guidance, in return for a fee. Once hooked, victims were bombarded with additional letters, each one promising more services and items for a fee. However, the so-called “psychics” identified in the letters played no actual role in the scheme, and the personal visions promised in the letters were, in reality, nearly identical form letters sent out to tens of thousands of victims each week.

Despite the illusion of personalization, the plot was a calculated operation. Runner and his co-conspirators sourced their victims from mailing lists rented and traded with other fraudulent schemes. The unfortunate victims, many of whom were elderly and vulnerable, were led to believe they were engaging with genuine psychics, and some lost thousands of dollars in the process.

Runner directed this elaborate fraud scheme from various foreign countries, including Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, and Spain, using a series of shell companies registered in Canada and Hong Kong to veil his involvement. It was only in December 2020 that Spanish authorities extradited Runner to the United States to face federal charges.

Following a trial in the Eastern District of New York, Runner was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, eight counts of mail fraud, four counts of wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He now faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count and remains in custody pending sentencing.

The magnitude of Runner’s fraudulent activities is clear as four more people have already been convicted of conspiring with him to commit mail fraud. It serves as a testament to the sophisticated, widespread nature of the scam. Among them were citizens from both Canada and the United States, further highlighting the international scope of Runner’s operations.

The Department of Justice and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service have made significant strides in the fight against fraud, as evidenced by the conviction of Patrice Runner. They continue to encourage individuals to be vigilant and report any suspected fraudulent activity. The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a resource provided by the U.S. Department of Justice that offers personalized support to victims of financial fraud, particularly those aged 60 or older.

In conclusion, the story of Patrice Runner’s fraudulent mass-mailing scheme serves as a stark reminder of the predatory tactics employed by criminals, particularly those targeting the elderly and vulnerable. With the combined efforts of international law enforcement agencies, there is hope that justice will be served, and future schemes thwarted. As this case exemplifies, it is of utmost importance to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, for this is “our most potent weapon in the fight against fraud.” With concerted efforts, constant vigilance, and collective resilience, we can safeguard ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities against such insidious threats. The fight against fraud is not a solitary endeavor—it is a shared responsibility that demands our collective action. As we move forward, let the conviction of Patrice Runner serve as a significant milestone in our ongoing battle against fraud, and as a stark reminder that no matter how far-reaching or sophisticated these schemes may become, justice will prevail.

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