Scam takes township resident for $10,000
A Bloomfield Township resident was bilked out of $10,000 by the perpetrators of a phone scam in which the victim was told they would be arrested if they didn't send funds through an overnight shipping service.
Bloomfield Township police said the resident reported the crime on Thursday, October 10. She said she received a call from a person claiming to be with the "Office of Social Security" who said her identity was used in a drug-related crime in Texas. The caller was then told she was being transferred to a Drug Enforcement Agency agent for further instructions.
The woman was then told there was a warrant for her arrest and she needed to send $10,000 in order to avoid being arrested. She was told to conceal the cash in several magazines and overnight ship it via FedEx.
After the money was shipped, the victim received another phone call requesting an additional $14,000. While attempting to withdraw the funds, the victim was informed by a bank employee that she had been a victim of a scam.
The victim didn't complete the second transaction and subsequently reported the incident.
"The Bloomfield Township Police Department reminds you that these types of swindles are increasingly popular and warn against sending money to people or agencies that you aren't familiar with," said Bloomfield Township Police Lt. Schwab. "Government agencies will never solicit money over the phone or internet to resolve issues involving an investigation or arrest."
Schwab encouraged residents with questions regarding the legitimacy of a government agency or call to contact the Bloomfield Township Police Department at 248.433.7755.