4 Scammers Caught After Trying To Steal Thousands From Victims In Westchester: DA

Four scammers were caught in the same week in Westchester after posing as victims' relatives or friends to try and steal thousands of dollars from them, officials said.

Four individuals were arrested in the same week after trying to steal thousands of dollars from victims throughout Westchester by posing as friends or relatives in trouble, with some of the suspects being successful in their efforts.
Photo Credit: *Unsplash/Alexander Hills*

Ben Crnic

04/28/2023 6:00 a.m.

The four individuals who were arrested were allegedly participating in schemes known as "grandparent scams," in which a scammer will pose as a victim's relative or friend in need of urgent assistance, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Wednesday, April 26.

The scams usually target elderly victims, Rocah said.

Earlier Report - Scammer Poses As Victim's Friend, Asks for $15K, Gets Arrested Instead In New Rochelle: Police

The following four suspects were charged with taking part in similar schemes targeting elderly victims throughout the county, according to the DA's Office:

Port Chester resident Jorge Duche, age 32, was arrested on Tuesday, April 18 after allegedly posing as a bail bondsman to steal $9,800 from a 78-year-old Rye resident in October 2022. After collecting the cash, Duche put the money in a duffel bag before leaving in a taxi, which was captured on video. The victim had allegedly received a call from another person claiming to be her grandchild who was arrested and desperately in need of bail money. Duche was charged with third-degree criminal possession of stolen property and arraigned in Rye City Court.
Manuel Alfonso Sosacastillo, age 28, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was arrested on Wednesday, April 19 for allegedly stealing $6,900 from a 90-year-old victim in Hastings-on-Hudson on Friday, Feb. 24. The victim allegedly received a first phone call from a person who claimed to be their grandchild who had been in an accident, and a second call from a person claiming to be an attorney who said the grandchild needed money to post bail. Sosacastillo was charged with third-degree grand larceny and arraigned in Hastings-on-Hudson Justice Court.
Bronx resident Miguel Sosa, age 33, was arrested on Wednesday, April 19 for allegedly trying to steal $1,500 from a 76-year-old victim in Tarrytown. The victim also received two phone calls from people claiming to be both their relative who had been in an accident and a public defender saying that money was needed to pay for their "relative's" release from jail. Sosa was charged with fourth-degree attempted grand larceny and arraigned in Tarrytown Justice Court.
Bronx resident Roger Mena-Carrion, age 28, was arrested on Thursday, April 20 for allegedly trying to steal $15,500 from a 79-year-old in New Rochelle after falsely telling them that their friend had been arrested and was in need of bail money. He was charged with third-degree attempted grand larceny and arraigned in New Rochelle City Court.

To avoid being victimized by similar scams, the DA's Office said that people should beware of any unknown person who asks for money with a sense of urgency and secrecy or asks for personal financial information over the phone.

Additionally, residents should not respond to unsolicited offers of help or money, or share personal information with unknown people or companies.

Anyone who believes they have been victimized by such a scam is asked to call their local police department or file complaints directly with the Westchester DA's Office at 914-995-TIPS (8477) or online at www.westchesterda.net/contact-us/complaint-form.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Peekskill and receive free news updates.