State Police Arrested Four Individuals Following Grandparents Scam Investigation and Helped Save the Victims $78,000

Two men arrested for attempted grand larceny 3^rd degree in Parish

On June 20, 2024, New York State Police arrested Jadeja S. Jayrajsinhage 24, from Ontario, Canada, and Adity Mevawalaage 24, from Ontario, Canada, for Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd degree (class “E” felony).

The investigation began when the 75-year-old female victim arrived at SP Pulaski with a large sum of cash. They stated that they received a phone call stating they were being accused of a crime. The person over the phone instructed the victim that they would need to turn over a large sum of money to avoid being arrested, and a person would show up at their residence to collect cash. The victim became suspicious and reported it.

State Police were able to take Jayrajsinh and Mevawala into custody as they picked up the money at the victim's residence. Both suspects were then transported to Oswego County CAP Court for arraignment and released on their own recognition.

Two men arrested for attempted grand larceny 3rd degree in Central Square

On June 27, 2024, New York State Police arrested Zi Liuage 29, from Brooklyn, NY, and Juan Liuage 29, from Brooklyn, NY, for Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd degree (class “E” felony).

A preliminary investigation revealed a 72-year-old male victim was transferred to a telephone number after he was advised his cash app was hacked. The person on the phone asked the victim to withdraw $38,000 cash, which the person on the phone stated would protect his money. The scammers told the victim that they would come to his residence to pick up the cash. The victim contacted the New York State Police when he realized this was a possible fraud.

State police subsequently arrested both suspects while they were attempting to pick up the money. They were transported to the Oswego County Jail for CAP Court arraignment.

Here are some tips if you receive a call like this:

If someone calls or sends a message stating you need to pay with money for a crime or to protect your account from being hacked:

• Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is.
• Verify the person's identity by asking questions a stranger couldn't answer.
• Do not give out personal information (date of birth, social security, address, etc.)
• Don't wire money, get cash out of a bank, or send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier.
• Report possible fraud at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.

Scammers Use Tricks

They impersonate.

It's surprisingly easy for a scam artist to impersonate someone. The internet and social media make it easier to sleuth out personal and family information. Scammers could also hack into the email account of someone you know. To make their story seem legitimate, they may involve another crook who claims to be an authority figure, like a lawyer or police officer.

They play on your emotions.

Scammers are banking on your emotions to outweigh your skepticism. Sometimes, they will try to involve your family and loved ones, stating they are in danger. Call the police and check with your family before giving in to their antics.

They swear you to secrecy.

Con artists may insist that you keep their request for money confidential – to keep you from checking out their story and identifying them as imposters. They will tell you to go to a bank and withdraw a large amount of cash and say it is for a family loan, vehicle, or vacation so it does not seem suspicious.