The Westborough Police Department recently outsmarted a group of fraudsters in what was an elaborate HELOC scheme. In a social media post, the department laid bare the details of the attempted fraud that took an unexpected turn on Wednesday. A suspect armed with a fake ID and obscured behind a mask attempted to deceive M&T Bank into handing over a loan worth $600,000.
Swift and astute, the bank staff smelled something fishy and triggered an undercover operation in unison with the local detectives. The suspect, promised with $100 and lured with new clothes, strode into the bank as if he were the legitimate account holder. The officers, disguised as bank employees and patrons, played along until the right moment to spring their trap. Standing by, ready to thwart the scheme, the suspect was arrested right after presenting the counterfeit ID. Caught with out-of-state plates on their getaway car, the accomplices who transported the man also found themselves in handcuffs—their plan spectacularly backfired.
Investigations that followed led to more breakthroughs. Searching the suspects' vehicle, officers discovered a trove of evidence suggesting the group's involvement in a series of similar transgressions across the Northeast. Charges slapped against the perpetrators include conspiracy, attempted larceny, identity fraud, and being an accessory before the fact. The department praised the team's solid teamwork, particularly lauding the efforts of Det. Laperle, Det. Sgt. McRae, Det. Dapolite, Det. Turco, and Officer Anthony.
