A Cortlandt Manor man is still shaken Friday after being scammed out of more than $1,000 by someone claiming to have kidnapped his wife.
Hector Martinez says he received a call Thursday from someone who claimed to have kidnapped his wife, Carol Ann, outside Northern Westchester Hospital. Martinez says he was told that his wife was involved in a hit-and-run. The caller went on to say that he grabbed Carol Ann and threw her into a car. The caller also told Martinez that he was a wanted drug dealer from the Bronx. That's when he demanded money and told Martinez not to call the police.
State police say the entire incident was part of an elaborate scam. They say Martinez's wife was at the hospital visiting her sister.
Police say Martinez met up with the caller at a Wal-Mart and was told to fill out a Moneygram. By the time Martinez received a text from his wife, it was too late and the money was gone.
Investigators say the money transfers were sent to Puerto Rico. They say an untraceable burner phone was used.