CrimeAug 06, 2026
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Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap Scheme
Two suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
These two men are wanted in connection with grand larceny, accused of tricking an elderly woman out of $5,000 worth of jewelry.
Woodhaven, New York—The New York City Police Department is asking for the public’s help as it looks for two men accused of tricking an elderly woman out of her jewelry.
Two men in a light gray BMW SUV approached a 69-year-old woman Saturday morning on a street in the Woodhaven, Queens neighborhood.
They told her they had a winning lottery ticket but couldn’t cash it due to their immigration status.
In exchange for her jewelry, said to be worth $5,000, they would give her the winning ticket, said the NYPD in an emailed statement.
After removing her jewelry from her, the men asked her to buy them pain medication at a local pharmacy. When she entered the store, they fled the scene.
They are wanted in connection with grand larceny. There were no injuries reported, said officials.
The first suspect is described as a male wearing a white shirt, khaki pants, and a newsboy cap. The second suspect is described as a male wearing all black clothing with a black baseball hat.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.
In May, the NYPD warned senior New Yorkers about a jewelry swap scam in which crews of thieves were reportedly trying to steal jewelry from elderly people, targeting those with visible jewelry.
Related stories will be right here …
Two men in a light gray BMW SUV approached a 69-year-old woman Saturday morning on a street in the Woodhaven, Queens neighborhood.
They told her they had a winning lottery ticket but couldn’t cash it due to their immigration status.
In exchange for her jewelry, said to be worth $5,000, they would give her the winning ticket, said the NYPD in an emailed statement.
After removing her jewelry from her, the men asked her to buy them pain medication at a local pharmacy. When she entered the store, they fled the scene.
They are wanted in connection with grand larceny. There were no injuries reported, said officials.
The two suspects are seen here in surveillance image provided by the NYPD.
The first suspect is described as a male wearing a white shirt, khaki pants, and a newsboy cap. The second suspect is described as a male wearing all black clothing with a black baseball hat.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.
In May, the NYPD warned senior New Yorkers about a jewelry swap scam in which crews of thieves were reportedly trying to steal jewelry from elderly people, targeting those with visible jewelry.
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