NCPD: Elderly Massapequa Resident Loses Over $129,000 to Computer Scammer

LongIsland.com

The male victim, 92, was taken advantage of by a fake anti-virus software program, cops say.

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Massapequa, NY - March 25, 2019 - The Seventh Squad Detectives are investigating the details of a Grand Larceny that occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Massapequa. 
 
According to the detectives, the male victim, 92, had a technical problem with his laptop computer. The victim called a phone number displayed on the screen and was persuaded to purchase anti-virus software to correct the problem for $500 USC. Later in the day, the victim received a call from an unknown male explaining there was an issue with the anti-virus software and the victim’s $500 would be refunded. The subject claimed he had mistakenly refunded $50,000 USC into the victim’s account and requested the funds be transferred back into a bank account the subject provided. The victim wired transferred $49,300 USC.
 
On Monday, March 18, 2019, the victim received another phone call stating an additional $50,000 USC was once again deposited into his account by mistake. The victim went into the bank and wired transferred $49,800 USC into an account provided by the subject.
 
On Tuesday, March 19, 2019, the victim received a third call stating $30,000 USC was deposited into his account by mistake. The victim once again went to the bank and wire transferred $30,000 USC into the bank account provided by the subject. 
 
On Thursday, March 21, 2019 the victim was contacted by a male explaining he was scammed and would help resolve the issue if he transferred $30,000 USC to him. Victim refused and contacted police. The total amount wire transferred was $129,100 USC.
 
Detectives request anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.
 
The Nassau County Police Department will continue to educate all residents about crimes, especially those against the elderly at our educational forums. We remind all residents that they should call 911 immediately if they were contacted from any individual requesting that they send money.