A Bethpage man has been arrested and charged after Nassau County police said he collected $27,000 from a 62-year-old woman who fell victim to a sophisticated computer scam in New Hyde Park.
According to Nassau County police, the incident began on June 11 when the victim was using her computer and received a notification claiming there was suspected malware on her Microsoft account.
Detectives said the message directed the woman to contact what was described as Microsoft’s fraud department and provided a phone number. After speaking with individuals she believed were helping resolve the issue, the victim was instructed to withdraw $27,000 from her bank account and meet with a supposed bank representative.
Police said the woman withdrew the money and met the individual in the parking lot of 1650 Jericho Turnpike in New Hyde Park, where she handed over the cash. She was allegedly told she would receive a receipt for the transaction the following day.
When no receipt arrived, the woman realized she had been scammed and contacted police.
Following an investigation by the Nassau County Police Department’s Electronics Squad and Fraud & Forgery Section, detectives identified and located Jyoti Jyoti, 31, of Bethpage.
Police said Jyoti was arrested without incident.
Jyoti is charged with third-degree grand larceny.
The Nassau County Police Department is reminding residents to remain alert for scams involving fake computer security alerts, fraudulent tech support representatives, and requests for cash withdrawals or payments. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a scam is urged to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911.
Jyoti was scheduled to be arraigned June 18 at First District Court in Hempstead.
Photo: NCPD
