How Scammers Are Targeting New Yorkers With Fake Arrest Threats

Unfortunately, New Yorkers continue to be scammed. The latest example comes from a New York State Police report.

A warning has been issued to New Yorkers, especially older adults and their families, about a continued rise in scams. The latest is where a person is being falsely told they are wanted on a warrant, and must pay money immediately to avoid arrest.

These scams come in a variety of ways, including phone, text, or email. And the scammer is often impersonating a law enforcement officer, court official, or government agency, according to the New York State Police report.

The scammer will tell the victim they owe a fine or have an active arrest warrant, followed by trying to convince the victim to make payment using cash, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or other non-traceable methods.

As an example, on April 1, 2026, New York State Police BCI in Sidney arrested 23-year-old Tushar Sharma of India, currently residing in Arcadia, California, following an investigation into a fraud scheme targeting a victim who lost over $200,000. According to police, Sharma may have scammed over victims as well.

The investigation began after a victim reported receiving a phone call from an individual claiming to be a representative from the Department of Homeland Security. The caller falsely stated that there was a warrant for the victim’s arrest related to money laundering and narcotics trafficking.

The victim was told that, to avoid arrest, he needed to withdraw large sums of cash. He was then instructed to package the money in a very specific way and drop it off at designated locations in the Bainbridge area. The victim was directed not to tell anyone, and ultimately turned over large sums of cash on two separate occasions.

New York State Police noted that after apprehending Sharma, the victim's money was recovered. Sharma was charged with Grand Larceny in the 2nd degree, Scheme to Defraud in the 1st degree, and Conspiracy in the 4th degree.

He was processed and arraigned at the Chenango County Jail. Sharma was released on his own recognizance and was ordered to remain in New York State. Sharma is scheduled to appear at Bainbridge Town Court.

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Filed Under: Binghamton News