State police warning residents after Evans City woman scammed out of $20,000
State police are warning the community about a scam that happened for the first time in Butler County.
Police said a 61-year-old woman from Evans City called them last week after she noticed $20,000 was stolen from her Northwest Bank account.
Troopers investigated and discovered the transactions were made at the Northwest Banks in Bellefonte and Lock Haven.
“The suspects are going into these banks with fake documents, like fake passports fake social security cards and fake IDs requesting this money be withdrawn,” said Trooper Bertha Cazy of state police in Butler County.
Police believe there a group of thieves are behind this which worries some bank customers.
“It does concern me. Think of the poor woman. How is she going to pay her bills,” said Shirley Paglialonga, Northwest Bank customer.
How did the suspects get the victim’s personal information? State police said that information was stolen from the victim’s mail.
“People are stealing a large amount of mail and they are either getting checks that were sent out in the mail or other bank statements, using that to make the fraudulent documents,” said Cazy.
The U.S. Postal Service is investigating and handling this case.
To try to protect yourself from this scam, state police said to check your bank account for any suspicious activity. Try to grab your mail right after it’s delivered or pick up your mail at the post office. Also, if you’re missing mail, report it right away.
Meanwhile, some bank customers said they are going to be extra cautious.
“Everyday you have to worry what’s going to happen, who’s going to scam you,” said Paglialonga.
Channel 11 reached out to Northwest Bank and the U.S. Postal Service on this case and are still waiting to hear back.
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