Ramapo PD Announces Second Arrest In Email Scam From 2023

On May 11th, 2023, Ramapo PD took a report regarding an e-mail scam. The complainant stated that they had received an e-mail that appeared to be from McAfee Anti-Virus (Software Virus Protection), which stated that $399.99 was going to be charged to their account. The e-mail provided a phone number for Customer Service, so the resident contacted the number listed and was told that in order to reverse the charge, they would need to allow remote access to their computer.

Access was granted and a screen popped up, which allowed the resident to enter the requested refund amount of $399.99. The resident was later told that an error had occurred and that $39,999.00 was refunded. The resident was told that they would need to pay back that amount in installments and that a courier would be sent to his home the following day to pick up the first payment of $15,000.00. Cash was withdrawn and was provided to the “courier” who collected the money.

Ramapo PD Detectives began investigating this incident and in June of 2023 were able to locate and arrest a 33-year-old Nassau County resident for his involvement in this case. He was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th Degree and Grand Larceny 3rd Degree. After processing, he was released on an appearance ticket as neither offense qualifies for bail.

Yesterday, the second suspect, a 31-year-old male from Queens, NY was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th degree and Grand Larceny 3rd degree. He was issued an appearance ticket for a future court date.

Ramapo Police Department would like our residents to be aware of such scams which are extremely common. Here are some tips to help if you encounter a similar suspicious email/phone call.

1) Slow Down- and talk to someone you trust. Don’t let the scammer rush you.

2) Never transfer money from your bank account, buy gift cards, wire money, or allow remote access to your computer to a person/entity that you are not 100% sure of who they are and what their intentions might be.

3) Contact your bank right away- if you think you have sent money to a scammer.

4) Report your experience to:

-Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/

-Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://www.ic3.gov/