DA Issues Warning About 'Grandparent Scams' Targeting Senior Citizens

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah is encouraging residents to be vigilant against scams targeting seniors after four individuals were arrested and charged last week in separate incidents for allegedly preying on and exploiting elderly victims for money in schemes commonly known as "grandparent scams."

"Grandparent scams are a nationwide trend that target and abuse the love and generosity of our most vulnerable by impersonating a relative or friend in need of immediate access to financial assistance," Rocah said. "Before sending any money, make every attempt to find out where the family member or friend is and whether the claimed emergency is real, and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. I am committed to protecting our senior population from those who seek to take advantage and manipulate them."

In just the past week, four high profile arrests were made in connection with the so-called "grandparent scams" in Westchester County.

After a joint investigation with the Economic Crimes Bureau of the District Attorney’s Office, the City of Rye Police Department arrested Jorge Duche, 32, of Port Chester, on April 18, for allegedly posing as a bail bondsman to collect $9,500 from a 78-year-old in October. After receiving the cash, the defendant then placed the money in a duffle bag before leaving in a taxi. The incident was captured on video. It is alleged the victim received a phone call from a separate individual purporting to be her grandchild, claiming they had been arrested and in need of bail money. Duche was charged with felony criminal possession of stolen property.·

Following a joint investigation with the Greenburgh Drug and Alcohol Task Force and the Westchester County Department of Public Safety’s Real Time Crime Center, the Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department arrested Manuel Alfonso Sosacastillo, 28, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, on April 19, for allegedly stealing $6,900 from a 90-year-old on February 24. It is alleged the victim received two phone calls – the first from an individual claiming to be the victim’s grandchild that had been in an accident, and a second, purportedly from an attorney claiming that money was needed to post bail for the grandchild. Sosacastillo was charged with felony grand larceny.

The Tarrytown Police Department, with assistance from the Greenburgh Drug and Alcohol Task Force, arrested Miguel Sosa, 33, of the Bronx, on April 19, for allegedly attempting to steal $1,500 from a 76-year-old. It is alleged the victim received two phone calls – the first from an individual purporting to be the victim’s relative that had been in an accident, and a second, purportedly from a public defender advising the victim that payment was required for her relative’s release from jail. Sosa was charged with attempted grand larceny.·

The New Rochelle Police Department arrested Roger Mena-Carrion, 28, of the Bronx, on April 20, for allegedly attempting to steal $15,500 from a 79-year-old after falsely notifying the victim that her friend was arrested and needed bail money. The defendant was charged with felony attempted grand larceny.

The District Attorney also highlighted a few key tips on avoiding scammers:

• Beware of any unknown person asking for money or wiring of cash with a sense of urgency and secrecy, requesting personal and financial information over the phone, or requesting gift card purchases to pay a debt or fee.
• Do not respond to unsolicited offers of help and money; never share personal information like date of birth, social security number, bank account information, PIN, passwords, credit card information with unknown persons or companies.
• Be wary of door-to-door sales and solicitations.
• Pause before acting immediately and always consult someone you trust.

While the recent slew of arrests put a spotlight on the need for diligence, the District Attorney’s Office provides year-round education to the community to help ensure residents can recognize a potential scam. In fact, representatives from the DA’s Office will be present at the 55th Annual Salute to Seniors events next month from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Outdoor information fairs provide seniors with uniquely sited access to programs and services aimed at improving their health, safety and wellness, according to the DA's office.