A Queens man was arrested after a 73-year-old victim was allegedly tricked into withdrawing $40,000 and handing the money to a stranger in Baldwin, Nassau County police said.
Junkai Chen, 35, was charged with third-degree grand larceny following an investigation by the Nassau County Police Department’s Electronic Squad and Fraud and Forgery Section.
The scam began at about 4 p.m. Thursday, June 25, when the victim received a phone call claiming that his bank account and Social Security number had been compromised, according to detectives.
The caller allegedly instructed the victim to withdraw his money from the bank to keep it safe. Police said the victim complied, withdrew $40,000 in cash and met an unknown man in a parking lot on Grand Avenue.
The victim handed over the money before realizing a short time later that he had been scammed, police said. He then contacted authorities.
Following what police described as an extensive investigation, Chen was arrested without incident.
Chen was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday, July 29, at First District Court in Hempstead.
Police urged residents to warn vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbors about potential fraud schemes. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted can contact the Nassau County Fraud and Forgery Section at 516-573-2815 or call 911. Police said callers may remain anonymous.
Photo: NCPD
