WASHINGTON (AP) — Arrests are taking place throughout the United States in connection with a scam that the government says has tricked at least 15,000 people into shelling out more than $300 million.

Callers posing as tax and immigration agents threaten arrest, deportation or other punishment unless money is sent to help clear up what they say is a deportation warrant or to cover unpaid income taxes.

The Justice Department is announcing charges in connection with a call center operation that officials say is based in India. Federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment charging 61 defendants in the United States and abroad.