Police seeking help identifying men involved with Elmont elder scam

A Staten Island man was arrested and charged with alleged grand larceny for an elder scam that happened on June 24 at 8 a.m. in Elmont.

A 77-year-old man received a prompt to call a phone number while using his computer at his home in Elmont on June 24, according to Nassau police. He called the number and spoke to an unidentified man who claimed to work for the Federal Reserve.

He was allegedly instructed to withdraw all of his money from his bank account pending “an investigation.” He withdrew $47,000 in cash and two unidentified men picked it up. The 77-year-old man received numerous calls from different numbers following up with him that led him to believe it was a scam. He then called 911 to report the scam.

The 77-year-old Elmont man received additional phone calls on June 27 from the same man who allegedly requested an additional $10,000 in cash and stated that a “representative” would come to his house to pick up the money. Police investigation led to the arrest of Lin Qiu, 46, of Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island.

Qiu was charged with attempted grand larceny and grand larceny. He was arraigned on June 28 in Hempstead District Court.

The investigation is ongoing. Police said the first man involved in the alleged scam was described as a Hispanic man who is 5’5” with an average build. The second man was described as a Black man who is 5’10” with a thin build.

Police urge the community to be on alert and remind vulnerable family members, friends and neighbors about potential scams or fraud.

Police are asking anyone with information about the crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-8477 or call 911. All calls are kept confidential.