Phone Scammer Busted by Police After Duping 94-Year-Old Valley Stream Man Out of Nearly $250,000
The Major Case Bureau reports the details of a Grand Larceny/Elder Scam that occurred on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 12:00 pm in Valley Stream.
According to detectives from the Nassau County Fraud and Forgery Unit, in conjunction with the Nassau County Fugitive Squad, US Marshalls and the Nassau County District Attorney Financial Crime Bureau, a 94-year-old male received a telephone call at his residence from an unknown subject claiming to work for Publishers Clearing House. The subject stated the victim won a large sum of money, but needed to pay the taxes before receiving the winnings. The victim wrote multiple cashier checks to various people totaling $246,968.00 USD. The victim later realized it was a scam and contacted the police.
Subsequent to the investigation, detectives were able to place the defendant, Jamario Smellie, 27, of 174 E 43rd St, Brooklyn, New York under arrest at 6:00 am on Friday, April 5, 2024. The investigation is ongoing.
Defendant Jamario Smellie is charged with Grand Larceny 2nd Degree and was arrested for a Supreme Court Warrant of arrest. He was arraigned on Friday, April 5, 2024 at First District Court, 99 Main Street in Hempstead.
The Nassau County Police Department urges the community to be on alert and to remind vulnerable family members, friends and neighbors about potential scams or fraud.
Detective’s request anyone with information on the above crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.