Jersey City Man Arrested for $60K Extortion and Impersonation Scam

# Jersey City Man Arrested in $60,000 Federal Agent Impersonation Scam

A Jersey City man is in serious trouble after police say he posed as a federal officer and scammed a senior citizen out of $60,000. Hrushikesh Sankhe, 35, faces a string of charges: theft by extortion, impersonation, and conspiracy.

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It’s a disturbing story, and honestly, a reminder that you should always double-check anyone claiming to be law enforcement before you give them money or personal info. These scams are getting bolder.

The Elaborate Extortion Scheme

Police say Sankhe reached out to a 69-year-old woman from Monroe Township on June 13. He told her she was supposedly under investigation because of a drug-related package intercepted at the Texas-Mexico border.

False Threats and Demands

He leaned into fear, warning her she’d be arrested unless she paid $60,000 in cash to clear her name. The woman, terrified and not sure what else to do, handed over the money in person.

But Sankhe didn’t stop there. After pocketing the first payment, he allegedly demanded another $50,000. Sadly, these kinds of scams often target older folks, hoping they’ll be too scared or confused to question things.

The Arrest and Charges

On June 26, Sankhe came back to Monroe Township, apparently expecting to pick up the second payment. Instead, police were waiting for him. Officers from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and Monroe Township Police arrested him in his car as he tried to collect.

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Legal Consequences

Sankhe faces a hefty list of charges:

  • Two counts of second-degree theft by extortion
  • Second-degree impersonation
  • Second-degree conspiracy to financial facilitation of criminal activity
  • Fourth-degree impersonating a law enforcement officer
  • If convicted, he could spend years behind bars. Authorities are still investigating and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

    Protecting Yourself from Impersonation Scams

    This whole mess goes to show how important it is to watch out for impersonation scams. Real law enforcement will never demand immediate payment to avoid arrest.

    If you get a call like this, always verify through official channels before doing anything. People all over New Jersey, in all kinds of neighborhoods, should stay on their toes—these scams are everywhere, and they often go after seniors.

    Jersey City Connection

    This crime happened in Monroe Township, but the suspect lives in Jersey City. That fact puts a bit of a spotlight on our own community.

    Jersey City has really tried to fight off all kinds of fraud and scams. Both residents and visitors have felt the effects, so it’s something people talk about here.

    If you’re thinking about visiting, there are plenty of legit things to do in Jersey City. The city’s vibrant culture and community spirit are hard to miss.

    Liberty State Park stands out, but there’s also a seriously diverse food scene. Visitors can find tons of attractions and, honestly, most folks just want to enjoy themselves and stay safe.

    Planning on getting to Jersey City for work or just to look around? You’ll find that local authorities put in a lot of effort to keep things secure.

    The city has a bunch of Jersey City hotels and places to stay. Choices range from high-end hotels to more affordable spots, so there’s something for everyone.

    Wondering where to stay in Jersey City? It’s smart to check out reviews and stick to places with good reputations.

    Even when you travel, it’s best not to share too much personal or financial info. A little caution goes a long way.

    If you know anything about this case, Detective Zachary Olesinski wants to hear from you at 732-745-4454.

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    Here is the source article for this story: Jersey City man charged with extortion, impersonating federal agent in $60K scam

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