North New Hyde Park, NY – A Baldwin man was arrested for orchestrating an elaborate scam that swindled an elderly victim out of nearly $400,000 in gold bars, the Nassau County Police Department announced.
Detectives revealed that the 73-year-old victim received a computer notification on June 6, 2023, claiming his device had been compromised. The message instructed him to contact a number to protect his assets. When the victim called, an unknown person posing as a Federal Trade Commission employee instructed him to purchase six gold bars worth approximately $390,000 from JM Bullion. The victim complied, and an unidentified man arrived at his residence to collect the gold bars.
Following a thorough investigation by the Major Case Bureau, in collaboration with the FBI and the Suffolk County Police Department, authorities arrested Yash J. Shah, 25, of 701 Prospect Street. Shah is charged with Grand Larceny 2nd Degree.
Shah was arraigned on Tuesday, July 16th, at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead. He pled not guilty and was released on cashless bail. According to court records, Shah was arrested by Suffolk County police and charged with Grand Larceny for an incident that occured on June 16, 2023. In that case he went before a judge on May 23rd of this year and released on his own recognisance. Shah is expected back in court on July 24th.
The Nassau County Police Department urges the community to remain vigilant against scams and to remind vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors about potential frauds.
A criminal charge is an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.
Photo: NCPD.
