(WNY News Now) – A federal grand jury has indicted a Pittsford father and son on 19 counts alleging fraud and identity theft involving more than 1,000 credit and debit card applications and approximately $2.26 million in losses.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Talib Hussain, 75, and Mirza Khan, 48, both of Pittsford, have been indicted on federal charges tied to an alleged synthetic identity fraud scheme that operated from about 2012 through July 2024.

According to the indictment, Khan, Hussain and their alleged co-conspirators obtained valid Social Security numbers belonging to real people and used them to create synthetic identities without the victims’ knowledge or permission.

Prosecutors allege the group submitted approximately 1,072 online applications for credit and debit cards. The cards were mailed to rented apartments in Western New York before being used for purchases at retailers and businesses, including Apple, BJ’s and Sam’s Club.

The indictment also alleges the cards were used at businesses associated with the defendants and to pay property taxes on three Rochester properties.

Investigators say fraudulent checks were used to make payments on the credit card accounts, temporarily increasing available credit. Prosecutors allege the balances ultimately went unpaid.

The alleged scheme caused approximately $2,257,697 in losses to financial institutions, including American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, Discover and other banks. Prosecutors also said the identities of victims were damaged.

The defendants face charges of conspiracy to commit bank, wire and access device fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The charges carry maximum penalties of up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo emphasized the importance of monitoring children’s credit, noting that children can be particularly vulnerable because they may not regularly check their credit histories.

The investigation involved the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire is prosecuting the case.

The charges are allegations. Hussain and Khan are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.