New Jersey man charged with alleged senior scam in Colonie
The Colonie Police Department arrested a New Jersey man in connection to a senior citizen scam.
COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Colonie Police Department arrested a New Jersey man in connection to a senior citizen scam. Dhruv Patel, 33, of Franklin Park, is facing multiple charges.
On May 13 around 3:15 p.m., Colonie Police received a report of a possible active scam. Police say an elderly Colonie resident was trying to dispute an online purchase over the phone when her call was transferred to a man claiming to be a representative of the Federal Trade Commission.
Under the pseudonym of "Patrick," the man allegedly told the resident that she was an identity theft victim, and that she should withdraw and turn over all the money from her bank accounts to him for safekeeping. The woman then contacted family members, who advised her that the situation might be a scam, suggesting that she contact police.
Upon arrival, Colonie Police helped continue the phone call and assisted in feigning making arrangements with the man to retrieve the money. Officers then saw the suspected scammer arrive at the woman's home, identifying him as Patel. He was arrested immediately and charged with the following crimes:
Charges
- Third-degree attempted grand larceny - charged as a hate crime based on victim's age
- Second-degree scheme to defraud
The resident did not lose any money as a result of the the incident. Patel was arraigned at the Town of Colonie Justice Court before being released on his own recognizance.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information, or anyone who believes they or someone they know has been a victim of a similar crime is asked to contact the Colonie Police Investigations Division at (518)783-2754.