NYPD: Group Claiming To Be Cops Target Elderly Victims In Citywide Scam
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The NYPD is asking for the public's help in finding a group of people wanted in connection with a years-long scam targeting elderly people across the city.
In each case, the suspect calls the victims claiming to be a police officer involved in an investigation concerning their bank accounts, police said.
The suspect tells the victims that he needs money from their accounts to assist in the investigation, police said.
NYPD: Man Claiming To Be Cop Targets Elderly Victims In Citywide Scam
The victims then meet the suspect and hand off "large sums of money" to him, police said.
There have been 24 incidents since 2011. The most recent occurred last month, WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported.
According to police, more than half of the cases happened in the 19th Precinct on Manhattan's Upper East Side, CBS 2's Scott Rapoport reported.
The suspect has stolen a total of more than $330,000, police said.
All but one of the victims have been females and range in age from 73 to 98.
Upper East Side residents told CBS 2's Rapoport that they were disgusted by the suspects predatory behavior.
"He's a sleazebag I think," one woman said.
Police believe that there may be as many as four people involved in the scam.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
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