BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Two men from Massachusetts have been arrested in Rangeley Plantation for allegedly scamming a woman out of tens of thousands of dollars while posing as employees of the Department of Justice.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the suspects—19-year-old Dev Patel and 24-year-old Love Patel—orchestrated a PayPal scam that deceived a local woman into handing over $40,000 on Tuesday. Posing as DOJ officials, the men reportedly arrived at her home, falsely claiming the payment was required as part of an ongoing investigation.
Their scheme unraveled when they attempted to collect an additional $32,000 on Wednesday. Law enforcement officers, already on high alert, were waiting at the scene and swiftly arrested both men for theft by deception.
Authorities have confirmed that this remains an ongoing investigation, with potential further developments expected.
This case highlights the growing threat of financial scams and the importance of verifying the identity of anyone demanding money under legal pretenses. Officials urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
