Queens suspect stole $20,000 from 80-year-old in cash pickup scam
NYPD seeks a suspect who has defrauded at least four seniors since June, using a fake security alert to lure victims into meeting him for cash handoffs.
By Adrian Kovalenko ·
An unidentified man has stolen at least $20,000 from an 80-year-old woman in Astoria and continues to target senior citizens across Queens, according to the New York Police Department. The initial incident occurred on June 2, when the victim received an email claiming she was at risk of losing her bank account to fraudsters. The message instructed her to call a specific number to protect her funds.
When the woman called, the suspect persuaded her to withdraw $20,000 in cash. He then arranged to meet her at 35th Avenue and 21st Street in Astoria, telling her he would hold the money for safekeeping. The woman handed over the cash, and the suspect fled on foot. Investigators have linked the same individual to three additional scams in Elmhurst, Kew Gardens, and other local communities since that date.
The modus operandi remains consistent across all known incidents. The suspect sends emails warning seniors about impending theft, prompting them to call a designated number. He then convinces them to withdraw large sums of cash and meet him in person to transfer the funds. Police have not released a description or photograph of the suspect in the current release.
The NYPD is asking residents to contact their local precinct if they believe they are being targeted by this individual. An NYPD source urged victims to seek immediate assistance and to call or visit their local police station. The department also encourages any other potential victims to report their cases promptly.
The CrimeStoppers Hotline is offering a reward of up to $3,500 for information leading to the suspect's arrest and conviction. Residents can call 1-800-577-TIPS, visit crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or contact @NYPDTips on X.
