BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Detectives with the Berkeley Township Police Department arrested a New York man Friday after an undercover operation intercepted an alleged courier attempting to collect thousands of dollars from a senior citizen targeted in an ongoing scam.
Police said officers responded to a Holiday City residence on Aug. 14 after the victim reported being defrauded through a sophisticated computer and banking scam that had already cost her $50,000.
- Berkeley police arrested a 24-year-old New York man during a sting operation targeting an alleged courier in a senior scam.
- Investigators said the victim had already mailed a $50,000 cashier’s check before realizing she had been defrauded.
- Detectives arrested the suspect after scammers allegedly arranged to collect another $30,000 from the victim.
Scam began with fake Microsoft warning
According to police, the victim said a fraudulent Microsoft error message appeared on her home computer earlier this month with a phone number to call for assistance.
Police did not disclose the man’s immigration status. At this time, he is not listed as in custody in the Ocean County Jail or detained by ICE.
After calling the number, she spoke with a woman claiming to represent Microsoft, who allegedly told her her bank accounts had been compromised. The caller then transferred her to a man posing as a Wells Fargo employee, who convinced the victim to mail a $50,000 cashier’s check.
Police said the scammers maintained daily contact with the victim over several days, continuing to pose as Microsoft and Wells Fargo employees in an effort to gain her trust.
Detectives set up surveillance
After realizing she had been scammed, the victim contacted Berkeley police but continued communicating with the suspects at investigators’ direction.
During one of the calls, the scammers allegedly requested an additional $30,000 and told the victim they would send a courier to collect the money for “safe keeping.”
Detectives and patrol officers established surveillance around the victim’s residence. Investigators observed a gray Toyota RAV4 drive past the home before returning and parking nearby.
Police said the victim then received a call advising that the courier had arrived.
Detectives arrested Gurdutt Singh, 24, of South Richmond, New York, at the scene. He was processed at Berkeley Township Police Headquarters and lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending court proceedings.
Singh was charged with conspiracy to commit third-degree theft by deception and conspiracy to commit third-degree money laundering. As with all criminal defendants, he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
FAQ
- How much money did the victim lose?
Police said the victim mailed a $50,000 cashier’s check before realizing she had been scammed. - How was the suspect arrested?
Berkeley detectives conducted a surveillance operation after scammers arranged to send a courier to collect another $30,000. - What charges were filed?
Conspiracy to commit third-degree theft by deception and conspiracy to commit third-degree money laundering.
Sources: Berkeley Township Police Department
