Serial Elder Scammers Busted After East Meadow Man Fails to Fall for Their Lies, Cops Say
The First Squad reports the arrest of two Bronx males for an Elder Scam/Attempted Grand Larceny that occurred on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 5:50 pm in East Meadow.
According to Detectives, a 73- year-old male received a phone call from an unknown male claiming to be an inspector with the Federal Trade Commission. The defendant continued to say that the victims bank accounts had been compromised and that he needed to withdraw and hand deliver all of his savings to the defendant so he could set up a secure account. Before completing the transaction, the victim approached a First Precinct Officer to ask for his advice. The Officer informed the victim he was being scammed and immediately took action.
Detectives and Officers coordinated efforts to locate and arrest the defendants Luis Santiago, 27, of 255 E. 188th Street and Stephano Rivera, 20, of 3203 Westchester Avenue when they arrived at the victim’s home. They were arrested without incident. During questioning following the arrest, the defendants admitted to numerous other scams they completed in other jurisdictions. The appropriate police departments are being notified and the investigations are ongoing.
The defendants are charged with Grand Larceny 3rd Degree. They will be arraigned on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at First District Court 99 Main Street, 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 frauds.
If you feel you may have been the victim of these individuals call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.