PORT JERVIS — Two New York City men were arrested after a sting operation uncovered their involvement in a telephone-based scam that defrauded a Port Jervis resident of $42,000, authorities announced Wednesday.
Nian Lin, 40, and Zhen Chen, 25, were charged with attempted grand larceny in the third degree, a class E felony, following their arrest on March 14.
According to Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden and Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler, the investigation began after a victim reported surrendering $42,000 to suspects at a commercial location on Jersey Avenue on March 12.
Investigators determined the men were part of a network that impersonated government agents, telling victims their identities were compromised and demanding they surrender money until their identities could be secured.
City detectives, with assistance from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Orange County Drug Task Force, orchestrated a sting operation at a pre-arranged meeting point on Pike Street in Port Jervis.
“The defendants ran an operation the type of which citizens have become very familiar with,” said Chief Worden. “What made this case unique was the brazenness of these defendants to directly approach a targeted victim after posing as government agents.”
Both suspects were released on their own recognizance due to bail reform limitations and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
District Attorney Hoovler noted, “Unfortunately, senior citizens are often targeted by criminals who seek to take advantage of their vulnerability.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate what they believe is a broader scam operation targeting other victims throughout the New York City metropolitan area.
Officials urge citizens to be wary of solicitations for money or personal information and to verify the legitimacy of any agency representatives by contacting official phone numbers.
