Email Scam Targeted Elderly Nutley Resident, Police Say

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley police have arrested a New York resident in connection with an internet scam that allegedly targeted a local resident, and there may be more arrests to come, authorities announced Thursday.

Police Director Alphonse Petracco and Chief Thomas Strumolo released the following statement about the incident:

“Police took a report from a 76-year-old resident on Mapes Avenue that stated she responded to a Microsoft email advising her to contact technical support. The agent provided her with a secure number where TD Bank documentation showed her accounts had been jeopardized. Chief Strumolo said the mistake was calling the number attached to the email, which directed the woman to a fraudster who walked her through a $30,000 withdrawal. The woman visited several banks and handed money to an unknown person that came to her front door on Monday evening. The caller attempted to obtain an additional $15,000 on Tuesday when police arrested 49-year-old Huihua Chen of Flushing, New York.”

Petracco said these types of internet-based scams often involve more than one person: usually the one who communicates with the victim is different than the person picking up the cash.

“Police have one in custody and are continuing to investigate accomplices,” authorities said. “We urge our residents to continue their vigilance and never provide personal information or money to someone without first speaking with family members or police.”

Authorities said anyone who observed suspicious activity on Mapes Avenue on Monday or Tuesday can contact police at 973-284-4940.

• See Related: Several Scams Reported In Nutley (Taxes, Phone, Email, Credit Card)

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