Savvy Senior Helps Turn Attempted Scam Into Sting: Nassau Police

An attempted scam was foiled by a savvy senior citizen, and the man behind it was arrested, Nassau police say.

According to police, a 72-year-old Bellmore resident received a call at his home around 3 p.m. on Wednesday from a man claiming to be his grandson. The man said he was under arrest and he needed money for bail. He gave the Bellmore man another number to call to set up the bail amount and delivery.

Police say the victim became suspicious and was aware of scams targeting senior citizens. He called the First Precinct and spoke to detectives.

With the assistance of the detectives, the victim called the number and set up a meeting to deliver $7,000, police say. He described what he would be wearing.

Police say that a detective then dressed as the victim had described and went to the Stop & Shop in Bellmore to meet the man who called. After locating the man, the detective confirmed the intended transaction, police say, and then placed Rafael Sanchez, 37, of Fairview Avenue, Manhattan, under arrest.

Sanchez is charged with third-degree attempted larceny and second-degree criminal impersonation. He is scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Thursday.