MONSEY: Quick Action By Bank, Chaverim Of Rockland, And Ramapo Police Prevents Elderly Man From Losing Additional $45,000 In Scam

An elderly Monsey resident narrowly avoided losing an additional $45,000 Tuesday afternoon after becoming the victim of an ongoing scam that had already cost him thousands of dollars in recent days.

Sources tell Monsey Scoop that the elderly man had been targeted by scammers who convinced him to open a new bank account and transfer money into it, falsely claiming that he could face serious legal trouble and even jail time if he did not follow their instructions. The scheme reportedly began last week, during which the victim transferred thousands of dollars into accounts controlled by the scammers.

On Tuesday, the situation nearly escalated further when the man went to his bank and obtained a cashier’s check for $45,000, which he intended to send to the scammers.

Fortunately, a bank employee became suspicious and sensed something was wrong. The banker contacted the man’s son, who quickly realized his father was being scammed and immediately reached out to Chaverim of Rockland for assistance.

Chaverim of Rockland volunteers launched a countywide search of local banks, attempting to locate the victim before the money could be handed over. After checking numerous locations, volunteers eventually located the elderly man driving along Route 59.

Ramapo Police were called to the scene, and officers responded to assist. A police report was filed, and detectives are now working on the case. Authorities were able to immediately freeze the $45,000, preventing the scammers from accessing the funds. Investigators are also working to determine whether the thousands of dollars already sent can be recovered.

Sources tell Monsey Scoop that his was not the first time the same individual had been targeted, highlighting the growing concern over scams that specifically prey on elderly residents.

Ramapo Police and Chaverim of Rockland are warning residents that phone and financial scams targeting seniors are becoming increasingly common, often involving threats of arrest, impersonation of government officials, or instructions to move money into “secure” accounts.

Important Tips To Protect Elderly Family Members

• Check in regularly with elderly parents or grandparents about unusual phone calls or financial requests.
• Remind them that no legitimate government agency will demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone.
• Never transfer money or purchase gift cards or cashier’s checks for someone you don’t personally know.
• Encourage seniors to consult a family member before making large financial transactions.
• Banks and financial institutions should be alerted immediately if suspicious activity occurs.

Community advocates say that family communication and awareness are key, noting that many scams continue because victims are frightened or embarrassed to tell relatives what is happening.

Thanks to the alert banker, the victim’s son, Chaverim volunteers, and Ramapo Police, this incident ended before the scammer could take another large sum.

Authorities urge anyone who suspects a scam to report it immediately to local law enforcement and notify their bank right away.