Man Arrested In Connection To Computer Fraud Scheme Resulting In $900,000 Loss: Trumbull Police

TRUMBULL, CT — A man was arrested Thursday in connection to a fraud scheme that resulted in a Trumbull resident transferring $900,000 in gold coins during in-person exchanges, according to the Trumbull Police Department.

In a news release, Police Lt. Brian Falkenstein said an investigation began after the resident reported receiving a Microsoft Windows pop-up message in March.

According to Falkenstein, the resident contacted the telephone number associated with the message and was connected with a person who claimed to be a Federal Trade Commission agent.

Over the course of the following month, the resident "was falsely informed that her assets and family were in danger and was instructed to transfer funds to a purported federal agent for safekeeping," Falkenstein said.

As a result of the scheme, the resident transferred approximately $900,000 in gold coins during two separate in-person exchanges in public parking lots, according to Falkenstein.

The resident became suspicious prior to a planned third exchange Wednesday and reported the incident to police, Falkenstein said.

According to Falkenstein, the suspect was expecting an additional transfer of approximately $300,000 in gold coins.

Police arranged a third meeting with the resident's cooperation, Falkenstein said.

On Thursday, the resident was directed to a predetermined location to complete the exchange, Falkenstein said.

According to Falkenstein, officers with the Trumbull Police Department, as well as the Crime Suppression Unit and Bridgeport Police Task Force, arrested Tushar Sharma, 23, of India, currently residing in Arcadia, Calif., when he approached the resident's vehicle to retrieve the gold coins.

Sharma was charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny and criminal attempt to commit first-degree larceny.

He was held on a $150,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court, according to Falkenstein.

"Investigators believe there may be additional victims in the area," Falkenstein wrote in a news release.

Falkenstein also noted Sharma had previously been arrested by New York State Police in April in connection with a similar incident.

Falkenstein said the department reminds the public, particularly older adults and their families, to remain vigilant regarding fraud schemes involving people impersonating law enforcement officers, court officials or government agencies.

"Scammers frequently use telephone calls, text messages, emails and computer pop-up alerts to pressure victims into making payments using cash, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or other non-traceable methods," Falkenstein said. "Law enforcement agencies will never demand payment over the phone or instruct individuals to transfer money or valuables for 'safekeeping.' Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agency immediately."

Anyone with additional information related to this investigation or who believes they may have been victimized is asked to contact the Trumbull Police Department Detective Bureau.