Two Men Arrested in Central Islip for $250,000 Scam Targeting 92-Year-Old

Two New York City men were arrested after Suffolk County detectives say they conned a 92-year-old Central Islip man into surrendering more than $250,000 by claiming he had won an $18 million Publisher’s Clearing House prize. Police say the victim received a phone call in December 2025 telling him he had won the prize and was later instructed to transfer money to cover supposed taxes and fees.

According to Suffolk County Police Financial Crimes Unit detectives, the caller told the victim he had to "fill out paperwork and pay taxes and fees." Detectives say during subsequent phone calls the victim was instructed to write personal checks, withdraw cash and obtain funds in the form of a cashier’s check from his bank account, leading to an initial loss estimated in excess of $250,000.

Investigators identified Oral Durloo, 31, of Brooklyn, and Brandon Nairne, 31, of Queens, as suspects following an inquiry conducted with assistance from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD Financial Crimes Task Force. Durloo and Nairne were arrested on February 13 and charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, police said.

Both men were held overnight at the Third Precinct in Bay Shore and were scheduled for arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip on February 14, according to police. Defense attorney information for either man was not immediately available, police said.

Suffolk County police are asking the public for help as they seek anyone who may have been victimized. "Anyone who believes they may be a victim of Durloo and Nairne are asked to contact the police," investigators said, urging other potential victims to come forward so detectives can determine whether similar schemes affected additional residents.

The case highlights the acute vulnerability of older adults to financial exploitation in Suffolk County. The 92-year-old Central Islip man’s loss of more than $250,000 could erase lifetime savings that seniors depend on for medications, home care and housing stability, and it underscores the role of coordinated law enforcement responses that in this case involved the Suffolk County Financial Crimes Unit, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD Financial Crimes Task Force.

Police emphasize prevention and reporting for neighbors and family members who suspect a loved one has been targeted. Anyone with information about the scheme or who believes they may have been defrauded by the suspects is asked to contact the Suffolk County Police Department.