Four Queens Seniors Lose $91,000 After Cash Handoffs Arranged By Phone

Four older Queens residents reportedly surrendered a combined $91,000 to a man who contacted them by telephone or email and persuaded them to withdraw cash. The victims ranged in age from 72 to 90. The reported handoffs occurred in Astoria, Woodside, Kew Gardens, and Sunnyside between June and September, showing how an unfamiliar voice can reach people in entirely different neighborhoods.

The first reported case began June 2, when an 80-year-old Astoria woman received an email saying she had been scammed and providing a number to call. After calling, she was persuaded to withdraw $20,000 and deliver it to a man near 35th Avenue and 21st Street. The message that appeared to warn of fraud was itself part of the alleged deception.

On August 31, a 74-year-old man withdrew another $20,000 after a telephone conversation and met the individual near Big Six Towers on Queens Boulevard at 59th Street in Woodside. Two days later, a 90-year-old Kew Gardens man reportedly handed over $21,000 near Austin Street and 78th Avenue after a call. On September 4, a 72-year-old Sunnyside woman surrendered $30,000 near 43rd Avenue and 40th Street. Those four sums account for the entire reported $91,000.

Accounts attributed to police say the victims were not physically injured. The financial losses, however, are substantial, particularly for someone living on retirement savings. The investigation spans the NYPD’s 108th, 112th, and 114th Precincts, and Crime Stoppers has sought public assistance. Police have not publicly established that every victim heard the same pretext or script.

NYPD Crime Stoppers circulated surveillance material showing an individual sought in connection with the reported thefts. The person appears to have a slim build, a light-colored shirt bearing a dark chest design, light-colored lower garments, and light shoes. The image is too unclear for a reliable description of facial features.

The FBI warns that financial predators sometimes impersonate banks, technical-support services, or government agencies, claiming that an account has been compromised and that money must be moved to safety. A courier may then be sent to collect cash or valuables. Such methods are known in other cases; investigators have not confirmed precisely which claims were used in each of these four Queens incidents.

Families can agree in advance on one firm rule: no one withdraws savings or gives money to a person sent by an unsolicited caller without speaking to a trusted relative or the bank directly. End the call, find the institution’s telephone number on a bank card or official website, and contact it independently. Never use the callback number supplied in a suspicious message. Requests for secrecy, speed, or in-person cash pickups are urgent warning signs.

Anyone who has surrendered money should contact police and the bank immediately and preserve correspondence, withdrawal receipts, and telephone records. Reports can also be made at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Tips about the Queens investigation may be submitted to NYPD Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (8477) or crimestoppers.nypdonline.org. A calm conversation about scams before a crisis can make it easier for an older family member to seek advice without embarrassment.

By Shabsie Saphirstein