The Upper Allen Township Police have received reports of a phone and computer scam that is victimizing township residents. The scam usually begins with a phone call from an 888 area code number. The scammers claim they are from a tech support company and will attempt to get remote access to the person’s computer. If that is done, the scammer will appear to deposit money into the person’s bank account. However, they are actually taking a cash advance on either a credit card of the person or a linked overdraft account and transferring it to the person’s checking account. The scammer then claims they made a mistake and overpaid, and asks the person to purchase thousands of dollars in gift cards from various stores to recoup the overpayment. The person is then instructed to provide the gift card number and the scratched off PIN to the scammer over the phone, who instantly redeems it.
Township residents are warned to be cautious of these scammers and pay attention to details such as complicated technological terms or company names that cannot be verified by a Google search. The scammers also use intimidating tactics and might tell the person to not call the police. Most of the victims being targeted are senior citizens. If residents have concerns or have been victimized by this scam, they are encouraged to contact Police at (717) 795-2445.
