EAST ROCKAWAY, NY – A 46-year-old Brooklyn man was arrested after allegedly attempting to defraud a 74-year-old woman out of more than $100,000 through a computer-based scam, Nassau County police announced.
According to detectives, the victim received a message on her computer stating it had been compromised. The alert included a phone number, which she called, and was told by an unknown individual that her money was at risk and needed to be withdrawn to “safeguard” it.
Between October 1 and October 3, 2025, the victim withdrew a total of $117,000 from her bank and handed the money over to several unknown men who came to her home.
On October 6, 2025, the woman realized she had been scammed and contacted police. Following an investigation, members of the Nassau County Police Electronic Squad Fraud and Forgery Section identified and located the suspect, Jinqin Jiang, 46, of 625 49th Street, Brooklyn. Jiang was taken into custody after a brief struggle.
Charges and Immigration Status
Jiang is charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Resisting Arrest. He was released on an appearance ticket. Further investigation revealed that Jiang is illegally present in the United States and has been placed into custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pending removal proceedings.
The Nassau County Police Department is reminding residents-especially seniors-to remain alert to scams involving unsolicited calls, texts, or computer messages claiming accounts or devices have been “compromised.”
Anyone who suspects they may have been targeted is urged to contact the Fraud and Forgery Section at (516) 573-2815 or call 911. All calls will remain anonymous.
Key Facts & Details
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Jinqin Jiang, 46, of Brooklyn |
| Incident Date | October 1–6, 2025 |
| Location | East Rockaway, Nassau County |
| Victim | 74-year-old female resident |
| Amount Involved | $117,000 withdrawn and handed to suspects |
| Scheme Type | Computer scam claiming victim’s computer was compromised |
| Charges | Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd Degree; Resisting Arrest |
| Immigration Status | Illegally present in the U.S.; taken into custody by ICE |
| Arresting Unit | Nassau County Police Electronic Squad – Fraud and Forgery Section |
| Status | Released on an appearance ticket; under ICE detainer |
Q&A on the Scam
Q: How did the scam start?
Police say the victim received a pop-up message on her computer stating it had been compromised and was instructed to call a phone number for help.
Q: What did the scammers tell the victim to do?
The scammers convinced her that her bank funds were in danger and needed to be withdrawn and handed over to “safe agents” who would protect the money.
Q: How much money was stolen?
Between October 1 and October 3, the victim withdrew and turned over approximately $117,000 in cash to multiple unidentified men.
Q: How was the suspect caught?
After the victim realized she was being scammed and contacted police, investigators traced the operation and located Jinqin Jiang in East Rockaway, taking him into custody after a brief struggle.
Q: What charges is Jiang facing?
He was charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Resisting Arrest.
Q: What is his immigration status?
Authorities say Jiang is illegally in the United States and has been placed in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pending removal proceedings.
Q: What are police advising the public?
Officials urge residents—especially older adults—to be cautious of pop-up messages or unsolicited calls claiming accounts or computers are compromised. Anyone who suspects a scam should call Nassau County Fraud and Forgery Section at (516) 573-2815 or 911 immediately.
