Binghamton Police investigating online money scam

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – The Binghamton Police Department is currently investigating an online money scam that stole a significant amount of money from a victim.

On July 16, at approximately 4:15 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the City of Binghamton for a report of suspicious activity. Upon arrival, the caller was interviewed, and it was determined that the resident had fallen victim to an elaborate online scam.

The initial investigation revealed that the victim had received a pop-up ad on their home computer notifying them of a virus and a phone number was provided. The victim called the number and the unknown suspect portrayed themselves as an employee from Microsoft. Through an elaborate scheme, the suspect convinced the victim to allow them remote access to the computer.

Over the course of several months, the suspect convinced the victim to transfer a significant amount of money from investment firms to a local bank. Subsequently, the funds were moved from the victim’s account to an unknown Cryptocurrency platform that the victim has no access to.

The Binghamton Police Department is urging residents to protect themselves from any potential scams.

“The Binghamton Police Department wants to remind residents that these types of scams are extremely elaborate and often involve several individuals from various parts of the world. If you feel you may be a target of a scam, please contact the Binghamton Police Department or your banking institution PRIOR to transferring any funds or allowing anyone access to your personal information. These types of scams often ask individuals to send funds to unknown locations or request funds be “pre-loaded” on gift cards or pre-paid Visas. Furthermore, the suspects often give specific instructions to the victims not to disclose where the funds are being transferred to or the true reason for completing the transaction.”

The Binghamton Police Detective Bureau is currently investigating this case. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Binghamton Police Detective Bureau at (607)772-7080.

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