A rare whisky and wine scheme bilked $13 million from elderly across the USA, according to the FBI and reported by Cleveland.com.

The scheme promised high returns in a short of period as three-years and/or promises of high-end parties for investors in Scotland.

FBI ages have arrested Casey Alexander of the UK who handled the money for the London-based scheme. Alexander is being charged with conspiring to commit wire fraud.

Alexander worked for three companies that authorities said carried out the scam: Charles Winn LLC, VWC LLC and Windsor Jones LLC. All are based in England.

The companies obtained phone numbers for elderly people throughout the country and cold-called them. Using fake names and British accents, the callers used “aggressive and deceptive tactics” on the calls and promised huge gains if people invested in a cache of rare wines and whiskey, like vintage 2017 Craigellachie Scotch, according to the charges.

Alexander’s name was on the companies’ bank accounts and physically cashed checks at a bank. He also cold-called people and made in-person trips to the United States to make it seem like the businesses were real, according to court records.

When he flew to Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday in order to meet with a Cuyahoga County victim, he was arrested.

When some victims wanted to pull their investments, the companies’ representatives either ignored the requests or gave excuses, including that the companies were restructuring and they would have to wait for their money. The representatives then tried to sell more whiskey and wine, promising even higher returns.

No one who invested ever got money back, the affidavit said.

For the full story in Cleveland.com, go here.