PSP: Elderly woman scammed out of over $11K after threats of arrest

CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — After a 73-year-old was scammed out of $11,500, Pennsylvania State Police are warning the community of federal, state and local scams.

On June 13, PSP received a report that the 73-year-old victim had lost over $11,000 after receiving an email from a scammer. The email had SSA letterhead and stated that the victim’s SSN was going to be deactivated because their identity was being used in drug trafficking in Texas.

The victim was then threatened with arrest unless they paid the scammer. This scam occurred via email and over the phone by someone posing as a DEA agent, according to PSP. The transaction was completed at a Bitcoin kiosk and during the process the victim was instructed to not tell anyone what was happening.

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PSP is warning the public that federal, state or law enforcement agencies will never demand payment from anyone in the type of manner described. The high pressure tactics such as threat of arrest and isolating the victim are commonly used.

The public is encouraged to stop and ask a trusted family member or friend about the transaction before proceeding. PSP highlights that it is okay to hang up the phone and contact someone else, even if there are threats of arrest.

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