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The resident called borough police after getting a call from someone claiming to be a Hackensack police officer, Paramus Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg explained.
The purported officer told her that her daughter had been arrested and needed bail money -- 15 large, in fact, the chief said.
A courier named "Daisy" was going to pick up the cash to be delivered to her daughter's attorney, the caller said.
Paramus Police Officer Nicole Capone spoke with the would-be victim, then Detective Lt. Tom Schroeder and Detective Matt McGuire set a trap.
Manelis Santanadecastillo, 28, of the Bronx pulled up to the woman's home in a 2021 Toyota sedan with New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission license plates, Ehrenberg said.
She got out, headed for the door and was immediately arrested, he said.
Police charged Santanadesastillo with conspiracy, theft by deception and criminal attempt. They then released her under New Jersey's 2017 bail reform law, the chief said.
"The investigation into this incident is in the beginning stages and other suspects involved are being sought," Ehrenberg said on Sunday, Dec. 11.
The targeted resident was wise in pausing and calling police, the chief said.
A lot of people immediately get emotional and respond to what sounds like an urgent demand, he said.
Ehrenberg urged anyone who gets such a call to stop, breathe and tell the caller you need to check with someone first. They'll usually give up at that point.
If they don't, he said, get hold of police or a loved one -- and don't give in to pressure under any circumstances, the chief said.
REMEMBER: Courts, police, legitimate lawyers and others involved in the criminal system will not call asking for money. No legitimate entity will ask you to hand over cash or gift cards.
Anyone who does is a scammer, Ehrenberg said.
If you have elderly family members or friends, please share this with them.
Meanwhile, borough residents who might have been scammed or have been targeted for a similar scam are asked to call Paramus police: (201) 262-3400.
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