Woman arrested after reportedly scamming 70-year-old Tiverton man out of thousands of dollars

A woman has been arrested after a reported scam that netted thousands of dollars.

According to Tiverton Police, on May 18, Tiverton Police Officer Jason Kobelecki received a call from a 70-year-old Tiverton resident reporting a possible scam. The resident explained he had received a call from an individual claiming to be the resident’s grandson. The caller stated that he was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident and was arrested. The resident told the caller, who he believed to be his grandson, that he would help.

A short time later, the resident received a second call from an individual claiming to be the attorney representing the grandson. The caller alleged that bail had been set in the amount of $9000. The caller stated they would send a “courier” to pick up the funds at the resident’s home. The caller instructed the resident to remain on the telephone while an individual was waiting outside of his home. The caller then directed the resident to walk outside his home and hand the funds to an individual waiting in a vehicle.

Several hours later, the resident received another call from an individual again claiming to be the grandson’s attorney requesting an additional $7000 to settle the case. The resident again went to his local bank to withdraw funds when the bank teller became suspicious of the withdrawals. The bank directed the resident to speak with police prior to any further transactions. The resident was able to contact his grandson and confirm the calls were a scam.

Officer Kobelecki along with Detectives Joshua Pelletier and Matthew Braun were able to work with the resident to arrange the delivery of the additional funds under the control and surveillance of officers.

Later that evening, officers were able to take into custody 29-year-old Luz Henriquez, of Providence, when she attempted to take $7000 from the resident like the first incident.

Henriquez was charged with felony obtaining money under false pretense and felony conspiracy. She was arraigned in Newport District Court and the case will be referred to the Attorney General’s Office for prosecution.

Tiverton Police stated that this serves as another reminder to speak with elderly relatives and friends about the dangers of scam calls and the devasting financial impacts.