Cops Con Accused Conman Arrested In Connection With 'Grandparent' Scam

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Police said it was a Bronx man's eagerness to prey on a New Rochelle resident that led to his arrest this week.

On Thursday, around 2 p.m., New Rochelle Police Department detectives arrested the suspect in a "grandparent scam," a national trend where scammers call unsuspecting victims pretending to be a grandchild or friend of the family in distress and in need of bail money.

Police said that the New Rochelle resident received a call from someone claiming to be a friend who was in jail and needed money for bail. The resident then received a call from someone saying they were in the "public defender's office," and that the money needed was over $15,000.

The would-be victim instead contacted police who started an investigation, during which, police said, the suspect called for a third time to set up a time to meet the intended victim in order to receive the money.

When the suspect arrived, he was greeted by New Rochelle Police Department detectives, who placed him under arrest.

Roger Mena-Carrion, 28, of the Bronx, was charged with felony grand larceny.

New Rochelle Police warned that this type of scheme is becoming a common occurrence and residents should take great caution if they receive similar calls, and contact the police to report them.

These professional thieves use practiced techniques to prey on the emotions of unsuspecting victims, convincing their victims to comply rather than contact authorities, police said.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, there are steps that can be taken to avoid becoming a victim of this particular scam.

• Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is.
• Verify the caller’s identity. Ask questions that a stranger couldn’t possibly answer. Call a phone number for your family member or friend that you know to be genuine. Check the story out with someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if you’ve been told to keep it a secret.
• Don’t send cash, gift cards or money transfers; once the scammer gets the money, then it’s gone for good.
• Most importantly, contact your local police. Most jurisdictions are happy to help verify the authenticity of the caller.

SEE ALSO:

• New Rochelle Police Make Arrest In Connection With 'Grandparent' Scam
• Rye Police Investigate $10K 'Grandparent Scam' Over Holiday Weekend