Allah Justice McQueen of Brooklyn was arrested Friday. Bail was set at $500,000 during an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court. His lawyer hasn't immediately responded to a message.
Prosecutors say the 33-year-old McQueen and co-conspirators telephoned victims over the last year, posing as lawyers or law enforcement personnel.
The government says the callers tricked people by saying a grandchild had been arrested on a drug charge and needed thousands of dollars immediately to avoid prison.
Prosecutors say one 79-year-old victim sent $6,000 for bail after a man claiming he was a police sergeant said it would get a grandson freed.