NEW YORK CITY — A Chelsea woman was indicted for stealing $42,000 from her 93-year-old neighbor while getting paid to help him, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Lina Vazquez, 48, made about 85 unauthorized ATM withdrawals from her neighbor’s checking account while often getting paid to help the man — who could not leave his apartment unaided — with paperwork and apartment tasks last year, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said.
Vazquez made multiple cash withdrawals per day from the victim’s account between July 1, 2015, and Sept. 30, 2015, District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. said. The theft was finally discovered by the neighbor’s friend who had been granted his power of attorney, Vance said.
“Scammers regularly befriend older victims to gain access to their personal information and conceal theft and fraud,” Vance said in a statement.
Since her plot was discovered, Vazquez has sent the victim an $800 check, which is the only restitution she has paid, prosecutors said.
Vazquez has been charged with grand larceny in the third degree and identity theft in the first degree. A judge placed her on supervised release from custody.
Vance said anyone who suspects an elderly person is a victim of fraud should call his office’s Elder Abuse Hotline at 212-335-9007.