A 24-year-old Paterson man was arrested last week after an investigation showed he used a “grandparent scam” to get an elderly Bayonne woman to give him money, police said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Jhon Arias Gil, 24, of Paterson, is charged with theft by deception, wrongful impersonating, and conspiracy, according to Bayonne Police Sgt. Kenneth Drago.
On May 5th, officers responded to the victim’s residence on a report of fraud.
During the on-scene investigation, officers learned that the victim had been contacted by phone and falsely told that her grandson had been involved in a motor vehicle accident and was being held in jail.
A person posing as the victim’s grandson then spoke on the phone and requested money for bail, authorities said.
Believing the situation to be legitimate, the victim withdrew a large sum of cash from her bank and was instructed to provide the money to an individual who would arrive at her residence. The victim complied and turned over the funds.
The Bayonne Police Department Detective Bureau immediately launched a thorough investigation into the incident.
Detectives were able to identify the man who retrieved the money from the victim; however, the investigation revealed that the individual was working as an Uber driver and was unknowingly acting as a courier in the scheme.
Further investigation utilizing modern investigative techniques and investigative tools led detectives to identify the alleged fraudster as Arias Gil.
Within hours of the reported incident, detectives responded to Paterson and, with the assistance of the Paterson Police Department, were able to take Arias Gil into custody without incident.
“The Bayonne Police Department reminds residents to remain cautious of scams involving callers claiming a loved one is in distress and requesting immediate payment,” they added.
“Residents are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of such calls by contacting family members directly and notifying law enforcement immediately if they suspect fraudulent activity.”
Thank you, John Heinis, for your intrepid and substantive reporting on this particular deplorable criminal act.