A New York man was arrested in Ocean County after police say he served as a courier in an elaborate scam that stole $50,000 from a senior citizen and attempted to collect another $30,000.
Berkeley Township Police responded Friday, August 14, to a home in the Holiday City section after the victim reported being scammed. Police said the scheme began with a computer pop-up claiming to be from Microsoft and directing her to call a phone number. The victim was then connected with individuals posing as Microsoft and Wells Fargo representatives, who convinced her that her bank accounts had been compromised.
Believing the callers were legitimate, the woman mailed a $50,000 cashier’s check. The scammers continued contacting her daily and later demanded another $30,000, telling her that a courier would come to her home to collect the money for safekeeping.
After the victim contacted police, detectives established surveillance around the residence while she continued communicating with the callers. Officers spotted a gray Toyota RAV4 arriving near the home just as the victim was told that the courier had arrived.
Police arrested Gurdutt Singh, 24, of South Richmond, New York, and charged him with conspiracy to commit third-degree theft by deception and conspiracy to commit third-degree money laundering. He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending further court proceedings.
