STAMFORD — Two New York men were arrested in Stamford in connection to a scam investigation.
Police say Hector Rivera, 25, and Eduardo Santos-Cruz, 26, were arrested in connection with the scamming incident.
Police say their Financial Crimes unit was contacted by detectives from Fauquier county in Virginia regarding a scam.
According to police, a victim in Virginia was contacted and was told that their grandson was arrested. Money was ‘needed for his bail’. The victim then sent $7,500 to a Bronx address.
The victim was soon re-contacted, and was told that an additional $15,000 was needed. A package was then sent to an address on Avery Street in Stamford. The victim told their local authorities after the incident.
On Saturday, investigators set up a surveillance of the Avery Street home. Around 10:20 a.m., a UPS truck came around. Santos-Cruz went up to the UPS driver and signed for the package. Officers say they say Santos-Cruz walk over to a van bearing New York registration. Hector Rivera was inside the van, according to police.
Police attempted to stop the suspect, but they fled. The car was eventually stopped on Sylvan Knoll Road, and Santos-Cruz and Rivera were taken into custody. Both are residents of The Bronx, New York.
Police say during the pursuit, the suspects had thrown the delivered package and other evidence out of the window, but officers were able to recover it.
Rivera was charged with conspiracy at larceny, attempted larceny, forgery, engaging police in a pursuit, reckless operation, and interfering with police.
Santos-Cruz was charged with conspiracy at larceny and attempted larceny.
Both men were later released on a $100,000 bond.
