PLAINVIEW, NY – Nassau County Police have arrested a Queens man following an investigation into an elder scam that resulted in a 64-year-old Plainview resident being defrauded of more than $120,000.
According to detectives with the Electronic Squad Fraud and Forgery Section, the incident began when the victim received a message on his iPad claiming the device had been compromised. The message provided a phone number, which the victim called for assistance. The caller instructed the victim to withdraw his bank funds to “safeguard” his money from hackers.
Between October 9 and October 16, 2025, the victim followed the scammer’s directions, withdrawing more than $121,000 in cash, which he handed over in person to several unknown men. On October 20, 2025, the victim realized he had been defrauded and contacted police.
Following an extensive investigation, detectives identified and located Enyi Chen, 44, of Flushing, Queens, who was arrested after a brief struggle.
Police urge residents to remain vigilant and remind family members, particularly seniors, to be cautious about unsolicited messages or phone calls requesting money or personal information. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted in a similar scam is encouraged to contact the Nassau County Police Fraud and Forgery Section at (516) 573-2815 or call 911. All callers can remain anonymous.
Chen is charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree and Resisting Arrest. He was released on an appearance ticket pending a future court date. Authorities later determined that Chen is in the country illegally and was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for removal proceedings.
Key Facts & Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time of Incident | October 20, 2025 – 5:53 p.m. |
| Location | Plainview, Nassau County |
| Victim | 64-year-old male |
| Amount Lost | More than $121,000 in cash |
| Defendant | Enyi Chen, 44, of Flushing, Queens |
| Charges | Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd Degree; Resisting Arrest |
| Arrest Details | Located and arrested after a brief struggle |
| Immigration Status | Illegally in the U.S.; in ICE custody for removal proceedings |
| Public Advisory | Report potential scams to NCPD Fraud & Forgery Section (516) 573-2815 or call 911 – callers remain anonymous |
