2 NYC Men Charged In $42K Fraud Case After Police Sting

PORT JERVIS, NY — Police say they have turned the tables on fraudsters who targeted a Hudson Valley woman.

City of Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden and Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that 40-year-old Nian Lin and 25-year-old Zhen Chen were arrested on March 14 after an investigation and sting operation into a scam that took place in the City of Port Jervis.

Investigators say they found that the men were part of a telephone-based scam network where they impersonated government agents who stated the victim's identity was compromised and demanded the victim surrender all of her money to them until her identity could be secured.

On March 12, the victim surrendered $42,000 to the suspects at a commercial location on Jersey Avenue in the City of Port Jervis, police said. Afterwards the victim reported the events to Port Jervis detectives who began an investigation.

With the assistance of the Orange County District Attorney's Office, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Orange County Drug Task Force, detectives conducted a sting operation in which a second meeting was scheduled with the two accused scammers.

Using a pre-arranged meeting point on Pike Street in the City of Port Jervis, Lin and Chen were located, identified and arrested.

Police say that authorities are continuing to investigate a broader scam operation targeting other victims throughout the NYC metropolitan area.

Both Lin and Chen were charged with felony third-degree attempted grand larceny. They were released on their own recognizance with a future court date scheduled.

"The defendants ran an operation the type of which citizens have become very familiar with," Chief Worden said. "What made this case unique was the brazenness of these defendants to directly approach a targeted victim after posing as government agents. We know that organizations such as these have operated throughout several counties in the New York City metro area. Through our close partnerships with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Orange County Drug Task Force we were able to turn the tables on these scammers who so often prey upon Senior Citizens and other vulnerable populations. The citizens of the City of Port Jervis should know that their Police Department will make every effort to identify and investigate fraud, regardless of the geographical areas from which the perpetrators operate."

Hoovler and Worden warn all citizens to be wary of any effort to solicit money or personal identifying information, whether in person, online, or by telephone, email or any other electronic means. If there is any doubt as to the legitimacy of the person you are talking to, hang up and contact the official listed telephone number of the agency that is allegedly being represented.

"Unfortunately, senior citizens are often targeted by criminals who seek to take advantage of their vulnerability," DA Hoovler said. "We urge members of the public to be vigilant in response to these threats and to contact law enforcement if they believe they might be the target of such a scam. We remain committed to protecting the vulnerable in our communities and will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold those responsible for these crimes accountable."