3 Romanian Nationals Arrested In Stop & Shop Debit Card Scam: Police

EASTCHESTER, NY — Police say they caught up with suspects involved in a coordinated con targeting Stop & Shop customers.

The Eastchester Police Department says that on Wednesday, around 2 p.m., they were notified of a scam in which a senior citizen's debit card was stolen.

The victim told police that they had just left the Stop & Shop located on White Plains Road when they were approached by strangers in the parking lot.

The scammers claimed that there had been a mix-up at the grocery store check-out and that they owed the victim money, according to cops. They quickly pretended to give the victim money, while stealing the victim's ATM card from their wallet.

Police said scammers visited the store, but had not purchased any items. Working together, two women and a man waited in line and watched the victim enter their debit card pin at the check-out. They then followed the victim out of the store before approaching them.

After stealing the ATM card, the suspects then fled the area. Their vehicle was identified and stopped by police, who found stolen cards from several victims inside.

Eastchester police arrested 34-year-old Laura Bengoi, 40-year-old Loredana Iftima and 40-year-old Robert Turcanu, all with last verifiable addresses in Romania.

The suspects were charged with fourth degree grand larceny, fourth degree criminal possession of stolen property, and then released on their own recognizance.

Eastchester police said they would like to recognize the work of their patrol and detective divisions, as well as the Pelham Manor Police Department which led to a speedy capture of the suspects.