International Scam Defrauds Resident of $6K

Warren Township police are investigating two incidents of fraud reported Tuesday, one involving an international scam that netted $6,665 from a resident.

Police said a Mountain View Road resident reported being contacted by someone claiming to need money for a relative in Peru. The resident sent the money, but it turned out to be a false claim.

Police also received a reported incident of identity theft from the checking account of a William Penn Road resident. The resident said $399.97 had been fraudulently withdrawn from the account.

With incidents of identity theft becoming more commonplace, police say its important to be vigilant with account information. Warren Police Capt. Robert Glen recommends regularly checking bank and credit card accounts to keep an eye out for any attempts at fraudulent transactions.

And to avoid international scams, Glen said to avoid sending funds to anyone that you either don't know or can't confirm their story.

A typical fraud of this type begins with a plea by email or phone from someone claiming to either be a relative or a friend traveling overseas needing money immediately because of lost traveler's checks or stolen credit cards, or to clear up a legal matter. The victim feels pressured to respond because of the immediacy, but learns too late of the fraud.