Man Nabbed After Trying To Scam Nassau Senior: Police

EAST MEADOW, NY — A Bronx man was arrested on Tuesday after police say he tried to scam a senior citizen by pretending to be a grandson he didn't have.

According to police, a 78-year-old man received a call from someone claiming to be his grandson. The fake grandson told him he was arrested for DWI and that the man needed to call the public defender's office. The man was given a number, which he called, and was told he needed $9,700 for his grandson's bail.

Since the man does not have a grandson, he called police, who arranged to meet with the man on the phone.

A detective, in place of the man, drove to the Green Turtle Restaurant, located at 1740 Hempstead Turnpike, which was the agreed upon meeting place to exchange the money. The detective found the man, who was on foot, and confirmed the transaction. He then tried to place the man — Carlos Miguel Torres Ferreira, 38, of University Avenue, the Bronx — under arrest. Police say Ferreira resisted, but was eventually placed into custody with the help of nearby detectives and officers.

Ferreira is charged with third-degree attempted grand larceny and resisting arrest. He is scheduled to be arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Wednesday.