New Jersey Brothers Accused of Scamming Brooklyn Seniors Out of $400,000

According to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, the two brothers, who have not been named, allegedly targeted senior citizens in Brooklyn with pop-up ads on their computers, claiming that their devices had been infected with malware. The ads would then prompt the victims to call a phone number, where they would be connected with one of the brothers, who would pose as a tech support specialist. The brothers would then convince the victims to pay for unnecessary tech support services, often using high-pressure sales tactics to extract large sums of money from their victims. In total, the brothers are accused of scamming at least 15 seniors out of nearly $400,000. The victims, who ranged in age from 75 to 91, were allegedly targeted because of their perceived vulnerability. The scam is just the latest example of a growing trend of online scams targeting elderly Americans. According to the Federal Trade Commission, seniors are increasingly being targeted by scammers, who often use sophisticated tactics to extract money from their victims. The Brooklyn DA’s office has warned seniors to be cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls or pop-up ads, and to never give out personal or financial information to unknown individuals. The investigation into the scam was led by the Brooklyn DA’s office, in conjunction with the New York City Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The brothers are facing charges of grand larceny and scheme to defraud, and could face significant prison time if convicted. The case highlights the need for increased awareness and education about online scams, particularly among vulnerable populations such as seniors. The Brooklyn DA’s office has urged anyone who believes they may have been a victim of the scam to come forward and report it to the authorities. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify any additional victims. The scam is a reminder that seniors must be vigilant when using the internet, and to always be cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls or emails. The Brooklyn DA’s office has also warned about the dangers of pop-up ads, which can often be used to spread malware or facilitate scams. In addition to the charges against the brothers, the Brooklyn DA’s office is also working to raise awareness about the importance of online safety and security. This includes educating seniors about how to avoid common scams, and how to protect themselves from online threats. The case has sparked widespread concern about the vulnerability of seniors to online scams, and the need for increased protection and support. The Brooklyn DA’s office has urged seniors to be proactive in protecting themselves, and to never hesitate to report suspicious activity to the authorities. The investigation into the scam is a reminder that law enforcement is committed to protecting vulnerable populations from online threats. The case is also a reminder of the importance of interagency cooperation, with the Brooklyn DA’s office working closely with the NYPD and FBI to investigate and prosecute the scam. The brothers are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks, where they will face charges related to the scam. The case is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify any additional victims and to bring those responsible to justice.

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