A city detective ended up speaking to some men abroad who go by famous names: “Martin O’Malley,” “James Baker,” “Michael Brown,” “Jordan.” They turned out to be Indian and Russian scammers, not bold-face-named Americans.
The scammers, safely out of reach, admitted what they were up to, leading the city to warn people to watch out for a phone scam.
Let police spokesman Officer David Hartman relate the tale along with the warning:
“On Monday, September 28, 2015, Detective Richard LaRock, of the NHPD’s Financial Crimes Division was contacted by a man claiming he’d been the intended victim of someone perpetrating a telephone scam.
“The would-be victim said ‘Jose’ called him to say he’d qualified for a $9,000 grant. ‘Jose,’ who said he worked for the Bank of the People in New York, said all the man needed to do to receive his reward was to mail $200 to 200 Independence Way in Bayside, Washington. Once they received his money, the nine grand would be sent to him.
“The sagacious man didn’t fall for the ruse but wanted to warn others.
Detective LaRock phoned the number ‘Jose’ had called from. (425) 654‑1401. He spoke with several people. He spoke with ‘Martin O’Malley’ and was puzzled that a man who spoke Hindi had such a typically Irish surname. Detective Sergeant Manmeet Colon, who speaks Hindi and Punjabi, confirmed all those they spoke with were likely of Indian decent.
“Surprisingly, ‘O’Malley,’ ‘Michael Brown,’ ‘James Baker’ and ‘Jordan’ admitted freely that they were perpetrating a scam. They said they were taking people’s money to ‘teach them a lesson…’ They said they were based in Washington State – but later admitted they were both in Russia and India.
“A search of the phone number turned up many warnings. We’re adding ours as well.
“Don’t ever send money to a stranger. Not by phone, through the internet, wire transfer or any other means.”
