MALONE, NY — A 33-year-old Bronx man is now facing serious felony charges after he allegedly scammed an 87-year-old Brushton resident out of $44,000 through a phone scam.
On February 28, State Police were called to a residence on Delancy Avenue in the village of Brushton to investigate a complaint of fraud. The victim explained that he had received several phone calls from a man who pretended to be a relative in need of financial assistance. Over the course of two calls, the victim sent substantial amounts of money.
However, the victim became suspicious when the man called again for more money and decided to contact authorities. After opening an investigation, State Police arrested Luis V. Peralta Morban on March 1, charging him with third-degree attempted grand larceny and fourth-degree grand larceny.
Morban was arraigned in the Town of Moira Court and was released on his own recognizance.
Authorities are reminding residents to be cautious of phone scams, especially those targeting vulnerable individuals, like the elderly.