East Orange Man Scams Elderly Woman Out of $25,000, Police Say

An East Orange man bilked an 84-year-old township woman out of $25,000, according to Montclair Police.

Bryant Taylor, 48, befriended the woman and then charged her for services that he did not perform, police reported this week.

The woman, who recently had a new furnace installed, was deceived by Taylor into believing he had done the work. The woman paid him $25,000, according to police.

According to Montclair Police, the elderly woman "[had] trouble keeping track of things around the home."

Taylor was charged with theft by deception on Wednesday, Jan. 29, according to police, and further charges are pending.

Montclair Police are urging anyone with elderly family members “to be aware of how vulnerable they may be in keeping track of their finances” and ask that they report anything suspicious regarding caretakers or home aids.