PLAINVIEW, N.Y. – Nassau County Police have arrested a Queens man accused of attempting to defraud an elderly victim of more than $121,000 in an elaborate elder scam.
According to detectives, the 64-year-old victim received a fraudulent message on his iPad stating that the device had been compromised. The message instructed him to call a phone number displayed on the screen. When he did, scammers convinced him to withdraw his life savings to “safeguard his money.”
Between October 9 and October 16, the victim withdrew over $121,000 and handed the money to multiple unidentified men posing as legitimate representatives. On October 20, the victim realized he had been scammed and contacted police.
After a swift investigation, officers from the Nassau County Police Department arrested Enyi Chen, 44, of Flushing, Queens, following a brief struggle.
Chen was charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Resisting Arrest. He was released on an Appearance Ticket. Police confirmed that Chen is illegally in the United States and has been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pending removal proceedings.
Authorities are reminding the public to remain vigilant, particularly seniors who may be targeted by similar scams.
“We urge residents to talk with their elderly family members, friends, and neighbors about potential scams,” police said in a statement.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of fraud is urged to contact the Nassau County Fraud and Forgery Section at (516) 573-2815 or dial 911. All reports can be made anonymously.
