Elderly Scam Stopped on New York State Thruway

Elderly Scam Identified in Ulster County

A press release shared by the Ulster Police Department detailed an investigation into an elderly scam complaint.

According to the statement, an "elderly victim was preparing to send an unknown organization $26,000."

The victim told investigators they were contacted by a "Federal Inspector General" on Friday, September 19th. The alleged Inspector General advised the victim that they needed to "withdraw a significant amount of cash from her bank account" and turn it over to them to "prevent criminal charges."

While the victim went to the bank, Ulster detectives were already on the case.

Elderly Scam Takedown Ends with a Vehicle Pursuit on NYS Thruway

The Ulster Police Department explains that the suspected scammers "telephonically monitored the victim while she removed the cash from the bank."

The scammers gave the victim a location and proceeded to tell her she would me an Undercover Agent that would take the money and bring it to the government.

This is when Ulster Detectives stepped in. They write

Unbeknownst to the suspects, Ulster plainclothes detectives were with the subject throughout the entirety of the transaction.

At the location, Ulster Detectives found Karanveer Singh and Jaspreet Singh Gill retrieving a package from the elderly victim.

According to the report, Gill was immediately taken into custody. However, Singh was waiting in a getaway car. That's when Singh "attempted to flee the area" nearly striking 2 detectives with his vehicle.

Singh, collided with an unmarked police vehicle and then proceeded to lead officers on a car chase through the City of Kingston, Town of ulster and on The New York State Thruway.

The suspect was taken into custody on the Thruway, near the Newburgh exit.

Both suspects are and sent to the Ulster County Jail, awaiting arraignment in the Ulster County Cap Court.

Stay Safe From Scams Across New York State

When it comes to scams, local law enforcement sends out reminders often about how to keep yourself safe from scammers.

One of the most important safety tips is never sharing your information. The Dutchess County Sheriffs Office adds:

It is very important to not send any money to anyone that you don’t know until you’ve confirmed the situation through an independent source and feel comfortable with it.

Law enforcement agencies will never ask you for personal information over the phone and will never ask for you to withdraw money.

Take a look at some of the tips to staying safe online below: