New York Police Want Information on Credit Scam at Brooklyn Store Victim from Staten Island!
Cybersecdn– The New York Police Department (NYPD) is soliciting assistance from the public in identifying an individual linked to a credit scam at an electronics store in Brooklyn. According to sources familiar with the investigation, the victim, a resident of Staten Island, fell prey to the scheme, resulting in approximately $1,200 in illicit purchases.
On February 21, an unidentified male entered a Best Buy store located at 625 Atlantic Ave. around 8:26 p.m. Using the personal information of a 45-year-old Staten Island man, the individual allegedly opened a fraudulent credit card account at the store. Subsequently, the suspect proceeded to make unauthorized purchases totaling approximately $1,200 before fleeing the premises on foot. The victim incurred additional charges beyond the initial unauthorized purchases.
Details surrounding the acquisition of the victim’s credit information remain undisclosed by the authorities. The individual sought for questioning is described as a bald male with a light complexion. The 123rd Precinct is actively involved in the investigation, with a photo of the suspect circulated on the main NYPD News X feed.
Staten Island District Attorney McMahon emphasized the prevalence of scams targeting residents, particularly senior citizens, revealing that such fraudulent activities cost victims on the island over $2.6 million in 2023 alone. McMahon highlighted the importance of prevention in combating these scams, urging awareness and vigilance among the community.
Various tactics employed by scammers, ranging from Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist scams to impersonating government officials such as police officers, the IRS, and Social Security, pose significant threats to unsuspecting individuals. McMahon emphasized the urgency of recognizing common scams and taking appropriate measures to mitigate risks.
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Scammers frequently coerce victims into believing they face legal consequences unless they comply with their demands, often requesting payment via gift cards, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle. McMahon underscored the necessity of staying informed and exercising caution to thwart these nefarious schemes.
