Nassau County police officers from the Sixth Squad reported that a Queens man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to scam a senior citizen from Manhasset.
On October 18 at 10:20 a.m., an 80-year-old man received a message on his cell phone informing him he owed money to the Treasury Department and that he needed to withdraw funds in order to avoid prosecution. The victim complied, and, between October 14 and October 16, he withdrew a total of $35,600, which he handed over to numerous unknown male subjects who went to the victim’s home to collect the money.
On October 18, the victim realized he was being scammed and contacted police. After a thorough investigation, Yang Yang Wen, 36, of 132-21 41st Avenue, was placed into custody.
Police charged Wen with Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree. He was scheduled to be arraigned on October 19 at First District Court in Hempstead.
The Nassau County Police Department urges the community to be on alert and to remind vulnerable family members, friends and neighbors about potential scams or frauds. Anyone who believes they may have been the victim of such scams is asked to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.