Binghamton police arrest 2 in elder scam targeting $30,000

BINGHAMTON — Two men were arrested Sept. 11 after police thwarted an elder scam targeting $30,000 from an elderly woman on the city’s west side.

The Binghamton Police Department was notified by Citizens Bank officials at approximately 5 p.m. that an elderly female customer had withdrawn $30,000 in cash.

Police patrol officers responded to the woman’s residence to conduct a wellness check due to the circumstances.

During the investigation, officers determined the elderly customer was about to become a victim of an elder scam involving financial exploitation under fraudulent circumstances.

The Binghamton Police Community Response Team coordinated a sting operation at the victim’s residence.

A male suspect approached the residence expecting to receive the $30,000 cash.

Officers confronted the suspect, who fled on foot before being taken into custody after a brief pursuit.

A second suspect in a nearby vehicle was also arrested without incident.

Police identified the suspects as Tao Zeng, 51, of Flushing, and Zhilei Wu, 36, of Flushing.

Both men were charged with grand larceny in the third degree, a class D felony, and conspiracy in the fifth degree, a class A misdemeanor.