2 Arrested In Elder Scam Involving East Meadow Victim: Police

EAST MEADOW, NY — Two men were arrested in connection to an elder scam involving a victim from East Meadow, police said.

A 73-year-old man received a phone call from an unknown man claiming to be an inspector with the Federal Trade Commission, police said.

He said the victim's bank accounts had been compromised. The victim was told he would need to withdraw all of the money and hand deliver it to the man so he could set up a secure account, authorities said.

However, before completing the transaction, the victim approached a police officer for his advice. The officer said it was a scam and the victim immediately took action, police said.

Detectives located and arrested Luis Santiago, 27, and Stephano Rivera, 20, both of the Bronx. During questioning after their arrests, they admitted to numerous scams in other jurisdictions, police said.

The appropriate police departments are being notified and the investigations are ongoing, authorities said.

Santiago and Rivera are each charged with third-degree grand larceny, police said. They were expected to be arraigned on Thursday.

Detectives urge anyone who thinks they may have been the victim of these men to call Nassau
County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.