Westchester District Attorney Urges Residents to be Vigilant Against Scams Targeting Seniors

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah is encouraging residents to be vigilant against scams targeting seniors after four individuals were recently arrested and charged in separate incidents for allegedly preying on and exploiting elderly victims for money in schemes commonly known as “grandparent scams.”

DA Rocah said: “Grandparent scams are a nationwide trend that target and abuse the love and generosity of our most vulnerable by impersonating a relative or friend in need of immediate access to financial assistance. Before sending any money, make every attempt to find out where the family member or friend is and whether the claimed emergency is real, and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. I am committed to protecting our senior population from those who seek to take advantage and manipulate them.”

The following area defendants were each arrested and charged in connection with a “grandparent scam” in Westchester County:   

The New Rochelle Police Department arrested Roger Mena-Carrion, 28, of the Bronx, on April 20, 2023, for allegedly attempting to steal $15,500 from a 79-year-old after falsely notifying the victim that her friend was arrested and needed bail money. The defendant was charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a felony, and arraigned in New Rochelle City Court on April 21, 2023. 

The District Attorney reinforced some vital tips on avoiding scammers: 

• Beware of any unknown person asking for money or wiring of cash with a sense of urgency and secrecy, requesting personal and financial information over the phone, or requesting gift card purchases to pay a debt or fee. 

• Do not respond to unsolicited offers of help and money; never share personal information like date of birth, social security number, bank account information, PIN, passwords, credit card information with unknown persons or companies. 

• Be wary of door-to-door sales and solicitations. 

• Pause before acting immediately and always consult someone you trust. 

Anyone who believes they or someone they know to be a victim of a scam is urged to call your local police department. Complaints can also be filed directly with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office at (914) 995-TIPS (8477) or online at www.westchesterda.net/contact-us/complaint-form. Language assistance is available. 

The charges against the defendants are merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.