New London — City police said they charged three people Friday with attempting to withdraw large sums of cash from fraudulent accounts at the Bank of America on Frontage Road.

Capt. Brian M. Wright said in a news release Saturday that in both instances, the suspects attempted to withdraw large sums of money from accounts recently opened and bank staff were quick to recognize the scam and immediately notified the New London Police Department. He said suspects usually open accounts with a minimal amount of money, use an ATM to deposit a fraudulent check made out for a large amount of money, then visit a different bank branch and attempt to withdraw money before the deposited check is found to be fraudulent.

The first incident, at 9:16 a.m., resulted in the arrests of two men from Bronx, N.Y., one of whom attempted to flee police but was apprehended after a brief foot chase. 

Eric Araujo, 21, was charged with attempted third-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny and interfering with police.

Miki Paulino, 35, was charged with attempted third-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny.

The second incident occurred at 3:18 p.m. and resulted in the arrest of Sherri Johnson, 20, of 57 Connecticut Ave., New London. She was charged with attempted third-degree larceny.

New London police are working with other law enforcement agencies that have reported similar crimes to determine the scope of the banking scam.  Anyone who has information is encouraged to contact the New London Police Department's Detective Division at (860) 447-1481. Anonymous information may be submitted via the New London Tips 411 system by texting NLPDTip plus the information to Tip411 (847411).