New Jersey Duo Scams Elderly Man Out of $150,000 Under Guise of Bank Hacking Resolution, Plot Robbery at Wawa, Authorities Reveal

Authorities apprehended two men from New Jersey who allegedly attempted to defraud an individual of over $100,000 by persuading him that they could assist him with a bank account hacking issue. On May 27, Egg Harbor Township police arrested 25-year-old Mahir Patel and 21-year-old Davit Chapidze. The duo faces charges including criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, money laundering, and conspiracy-related offenses. According to a police affidavit acquired by NJ.com, the suspects initially contacted an “older man” online, claiming his bank account had been compromised and demanding $50,000 for their services. After he paid this sum on May 18, they induced him to pay an additional $103,000 and arranged a meeting on May 27 at a Wawa convenience store in Mays Landing. Concerned, the victim alerted police on May 23 about the meeting. Officers monitored the suspects, who, when questioned, indicated they drove two hours from Middlesex County to visit Atlantic City. The missing $50,000 remains unaccounted for, and authorities emphasize the need for vigilance against scams targeting older adults.