July 1, 2025 New York, NY – Police are on the hunt for a cunning trio accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from elderly New Yorkers in a series of ATM scams across the Upper East Side. Over the past two months, two men and a woman have allegedly preyed on seniors, distracting them at bank ATMs and making unauthorized transactions.
How the ATM Scam Unfolded
The suspects reportedly targeted victims in their late 80s and early 90s, approaching them inside banks under the guise of offering assistance with ATMs. While the unsuspecting seniors were distracted, the thieves allegedly swiped their credit cards and then used them to drain their accounts.
"These perpetrators specifically targeted our most vulnerable citizens," an NYPD official stated. "It's a particularly callous crime."
A Pattern of Predatory Behavior
Nine separate incidents occurred throughout May and June, primarily between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The crime spree began on May 8, when an 87-year-old man was robbed of $6,000 at a Chase Bank on 3rd Avenue and East 65th Street. The most recent victim, a 93-year-old woman, had $1,500 stolen on June 26 at a Citibank on Lexington Avenue and East 86th Street.
Other targeted Chase Bank branches include locations at York Avenue and East 79th Street, 1st Avenue and East 71st Street, 3rd Avenue and East 90th Street, and 2nd Avenue and East 86th Street. In each instance, the suspects vanished without a trace after the theft.
Financial Impact and Safety Measures
According to police reports, the total stolen amount now exceeds $50,000. Fortunately, no victims were physically injured during these incidents.
While citywide grand larceny — defined as theft of property worth over $1,000 — has seen a 7% decrease year-to-date, the 19th Precinct, which covers the Upper East Side, has experienced a concerning 5% rise in such crimes. Over 770 grand larcenies have been reported in the precinct this year alone, according to CompStat data.
