Scammer Who Stole $6K+ From North Fork Grandmother Nabbed: Police

NORTH FORK, NY — A New Jersey man was arrested after attempting to scam a North Fork grandmother, police said.

According to Southold Town police, the incident took place on Friday; police received a report from a Peconic resident who had been contacted by an individual claiming to be her grandson, police said.

The caller claimed that he had been involved in a motor vehicle crash, arrested, and charged with driving while intoxicated — and needed $6,720 in cash to post bail, police said.

The woman was then contacted by another individual claiming to be an attorney for her grandson, police said.

A courier was sent to the residence to collect the money, police said.

Shortly afterward, the woman was told that additional money was needed for bail, at which point she contacted the Southold Town Police Department, police said.

Southold Town Police patrol officers and detectives conducted an investigation that led them into Nassau County, with assistance from the Nassau County Police Department, police said.

The individual who had initially responded to the woman's residence was located and identified as Jonathan Manuel, 37, of Paterson, NJ; he admitted to taking the $6,720, which was recovered from his vehicle, police said.

Manuel was arrested by Southold Town police and transported to Southold Town police headquarters for processing, police said.

He was charged with third-degree grand larceny, a felony, police said.

Southold Town Police reminded residents that law enforcement agencies, courts, and legitimate attorneys will not demand immediate payment of cash to prevent a loved one from being arrested or released from custody, police said.

Tips from Southold Town police:

• Do not send or provide money to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Verify the story independently by contacting the family member directly using a known phone number.
• Do not allow anyone claiming to be a courier to collect money from your home.
• Do not be pressured into acting immediately. Scammers rely on urgency and fear.
• Contact your local police department if you believe you or a family member may be the target of a scam.

Southold Town police encouraged residents to speak with family members, friends, and neighbors about such scams. A simple conversation can help prevent someone from becoming a victim, they said.