A Bridgewater man was charged with stealing more than $25,000 from an elderly Bloomingdale resident in a scheme where he allegedly gained the victim’s trust and convinced him to sell his vehicle, police said.

Bloomingdale police said the investigation began in January after a family member reported concerns that the resident was being taken advantage of and had lost several thousand dollars.

Police determined the victim had been “befriended” by a man later identified as 42-year-old Branislav Vasljevic, according to officials.

Investigators said Vasljevic allegedly convinced the victim he needed a new vehicle and persuaded him to sell his current one, with the victim allowing him to facilitate the sale. Police said Vasljevic also requested additional money from the victim, claiming it was needed to cover fees.

After selling the vehicle, Vasljevic allegedly kept the proceeds for himself, profiting more than $25,000, police said. Authorities charged him with theft by deception.

Vasljevic was arrested March 6 and detained pending a court appearance.