NORTH EAST, Md. — Maryland State Police said a woman was almost hustled out of tens of thousands of dollars in a computer scam.
Troopers started investigating after a woman walked into the North East barrack on August 23, to report a phone/computer scam. The victim told police she was receiving calls about her computer virus software expiring.
Police said the woman had given the scammers her bank information, then withdrew $350 from her account. After asking for a refund, the victim said $35,000 was moved from her savings into her checking account. The suspects then told her they “accidentally” deposited the money from their company into her checking account.
According to State Police, the scammer convinced the woman that he could lose his job if she didn't return the money in cash, in two installments.
The woman believed the suspect and went to the bank to withdraw $17,500. Then, she ducked taped the money in plastic and sent it to an address California via FedEx priority shipping before becoming suspicious and contacting state police.
After obtaining tracking information, Investigators contacted FedEx's fraud department and the package was intercepted before being shipped. When the package was opened, they found the victim's $17,500.
Troopers said FedEx security conducted an audit of the California address and discovered a second suspicious package that also contained a large amount of money.
This case remains under investigation.
Maryland State Police ask never give any personal information over the phone, and only allow a qualified reputable computer technician the ability to repair your computer should it become infected with a virus. Many of these telephone scams are disguising themselves by utilizing local telephone number prefixes.
Anyone who receives such a phone call should hang up and then contact their local state police barrack. Callers may remain anonymous.
