Phone Scam Bilks Ossining Woman

An Ossining woman told police she had been contacted by a caller who convinced her to send money as "security" for a future payment of $795.

The caller Dec. 4 purported to be a representative of a company called U.S. Cash Advance calling about a loan application.

She told police the caller said the company needed to send her $795. The caller said the victim would need to secure the payment with a prepaid cash card for which she would be reimbursed when the loan was approved. The amount she was asked for was not disclosed.

The caller had a lot of personal identity information including the last four digits of her Social Security number, the victim told police.

When she asked for details of the loan, such as where the loan was taken out and the name of the person on the application, she was told this could not be provided over the phone. She was told she would receive an email with details.

The victim purchased prepaid cash cards and sent them to the address the caller provided. 

When she did not get the email, she contacted the company and was told that she owed $5,500.

The victim then became suspicious and reported the incident to police on Dec. 5.

The Ossining Police would like to remind everyone that they should not give personal information over the phone or send money when they are unsure of the person and/or company with whom they are dealing, said Lt. Michael McElroy.

The FBI has a webpage here describing common fraud schemes and offering tips to help people avoid being victimized.