Another UWS Resident Duped In $9.5K Bail Scam: NYPD

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY - An Upper West Side man fell victim to a bail scam this month after he forked over nearly $10,000 to a man pretending to be collecting bail money on behalf of the resident’s son, authorities said Tuesday.

It’s notably the second time in about a month that an older Upper West Side resident has fallen victim to the scam. On Aug. 23, a phony caller pretending to be the victim’s grandson told a 78-year-old woman that he needed $9,500 for bail money.

On Sept. 15 about 12:30 p.m., scammers struck again, this time targeting a 74-year-old man. The resident was told his son was under arrest and he could not contact him, police said.

The victim was then instructed to pay his son’s “bail” and ordered to hand over $9,500 dollars to him in the vicinity of West 62nd Street and Riverside Boulevard, police said.

The alleged scammer fled in a dark-colored vehicle in an unknown direction, police said.

The Federal Communications Commission urges individuals to use caution should they feel pressured to send money quickly. The FCC has guides on spoofed caller IDs and call-blocking apps and services.
"Scammers often try to bully victims into transferring money through a mobile payment app, by wiring money, or by purchasing gift cards or money orders," according to the FCC. "Some may even request to meet to receive money in person. If you get a call like this, hang up and report it immediately to local law enforcement."

Anyone with information in regard to the incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).