Bronx man arrested for grand larceny in elder fraud case

Bronx, New York – A Bronx man has been arrested for allegedly scamming an elderly resident of Brushton, New York, out of tens of thousands of dollars. Authorities say the suspect, 33-year-old Luis V. Peralta Morban, deceived an 87-year-old victim into handing over approximately $44,000 before law enforcement stepped in.

Scam Preyed on Victim’s Trust

The investigation began on February 28, 2025, when State Police responded to a fraud complaint on Delancy Avenue in Brushton. The elderly victim reported that a man contacted them over the phone, pretending to be a relative in desperate need of financial help. Trusting the caller, the victim provided large sums of money on multiple occasions.

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However, during the third interaction, the victim grew suspicious of the requests and decided to alert authorities. This crucial decision led to an investigation that ultimately identified Peralta Morban as the suspect behind the scheme.

Suspect Taken into Custody

On March 1, 2025, State Police arrested Peralta Morban, charging him with attempted grand larceny in the third degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree. He was taken to SP Malone for processing before being arraigned in the Town of Moira Court. Despite the serious charges, he was later released on his own recognizance.

Authorities Warn Against Scams

Police are urging the public to remain vigilant against scams, particularly those targeting elderly individuals. Scammers often use emotional manipulation, posing as relatives in distress to convince victims to send money.

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Officials advise individuals to verify unexpected financial requests, speak to trusted family members before sending money, and report any suspicious calls to law enforcement.

With fraud schemes becoming increasingly sophisticated, authorities stress the importance of awareness and caution. Anyone with additional information about this case or similar scams is encouraged to contact the State Police.