Tricking The Trickster: Paramus Mom Outsmarts $15K Scammer, Police Say

PARAMUS, NJ — A scammer who demanded $15,000 from a Paramus mom, purportedly to bail her daughter out of jail, was lured into a trap by the mother she tried to con, Paramus police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg said.

Manelis Santanadecastillo, 28, was arrested Friday amid an elaborate plan that involved calls from a fake Hackensack cop, an alleged attorney and the promised arrival of a courier named "Daisy," Ehernberg said.

Santanadecastillo arrived at her would-be victims's Prospect Street home just after 1 p.m. Friday expecting to receive cash she'd said would get the woman's daughter out of jail, police said.

But the mom had guessed the call was a scam, called police and worked with them to set up a sting operation, according to police.

Santanadecastillo, of New York, was charged with theft by deception, conspiracy and criminal attempt then released, police said.

Police are still investigating the incident and seeking other victims involved. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Paramus Police Department at 201-262-3400, Ehrenberg said.