Two men, Oral Durloo and Brandon Nairne, were arrested and charged after authorities say they defrauded a 92-year-old out of $250,000 by claiming he had won a Publisher’s Clearing House prize and coercing payments for bogus taxes and fees. Local prosecutors and the NYPD Financial Crimes Task Force allege the suspects directed victims to withdraw cash and checks for transfer to the fraudsters.

Federal and local prosecutors and the NYPD Financial Crimes Task Force have arrested Oral Durloo and Brandon Nairne on allegations they orchestrated a sweepstakes-style elder fraud that netted approximately $250,000 from a 92-year-old victim. Investigators allege the defendants convinced the elderly man he had won a Publishers Clearing House prize, then pressured him to send money to cover fictitious taxes, fees and processing costs. The scheme reportedly relied on repeated telephone contact and instructions to withdraw funds and deliver checks or cash to intermediaries. Arrest and charging documents describe a classic advance-fee fraud adapted to target a vulnerable elder, with calls and coercive tactics designed to prevent victims from consulting trusted advisors. Prosecutors underscored the collaboration between local law enforcement and federal task forces in tracing funds and identifying suspects, and warned caregivers and financial institutions to be alert for unusual withdrawals or transfers by older customers. The arrests aim both to secure restitution and deter similar targeted scams against seniors.