06/18/2026
🚨 Scam Attempt Thwarted, Suspect Arrested 🚨
Earlier this month, Fall River Police officers responded to BankFive after bank employees reported an ongoing scam targeting an elderly customer.
When officers arrived, they found the victim on the phone with a man claiming to work in a bank’s “Fraud Department.” The caller instructed the victim to withdraw **$25,000** and hand it over to an Uber driver so the money could supposedly be “secured” during a fraud investigation.
Recognizing the situation as a scam, the BankFive branch manager immediately contacted police. Patrol officers quickly stepped in and worked to keep the scammer unaware that law enforcement had become involved. Detectives from the Major Crimes Division (MCD) and members of the Community Action & Suppression Team (CAST) coordinated an operation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The scammer requested a photo of the cash inside a CVS shopping bag as proof the victim had complied. While officers don’t typically carry $25,000 in cash, the bank staff—who dislike scammers as much as we do—helped stage the photo. The victim’s money was safely returned to the bank, and a travel magazine was placed inside the bag to stand in for the cash. After all, if a picture is worth a thousand words, a magazine full of them must be worth at least $25,000.
A short time later, an Uber driver arrived to pick up the package. After officers determined the driver was unaware of the scam, the driver agreed to assist with the investigation. The suspect directed the delivery to Dorchester, and undercover detectives followed while notifying the Boston Police Department and the FBI.
When the package was delivered, officers moved in and arrested the recipient, identified as **Joshua Jose Nieves, 28, of Roxbury**.
Nieves was charged with:
▪️ Larceny Over $1,200 by False Pretenses
▪️ Conspiracy
While the travel magazine featured destinations around the world, it neglected to mention the accommodations at the Fall River Police Department. Instead, Mr. Nieves received a complimentary ride and an all-inclusive stay in our secure facility.
Investigators later learned the victim had previously withdrawn **$25,000** from another bank branch in Somerset and turned it over to a similar courier. That portion of the investigation remains active and is being handled by the Somerset Police Department in coordination with our detectives.
This remains an active investigation and may result in additional arrests.
We commend the quick actions of our patrol officers, detectives, BankFive staff, and our law enforcement partners. Their teamwork prevented further financial loss to the victim and led to the arrest of a suspect.
⚠️ **Reminder:** Banks, government agencies, and legitimate fraud departments will never ask you to withdraw cash and hand it to a courier, rideshare driver, or stranger. If you receive a request like this, hang up and contact your bank or local police department immediately.