Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a series of access device fraud cases in which scammers are targeting elderly victims by posing as bank fraud investigators.
According to investigators with the state police, the suspects contact victims by phone and claim to be from the fraud department of the victim’s financial institution. The callers tell victims there have been fraudulent charges on their accounts and that their credit cards have been compromised.
State police said the suspects often possess personal information about the victims, making the calls appear legitimate.
Victims are then instructed to hand over their credit cards to a courier for “investigation.”
State police said a rideshare driver, often working through Uber, is dispatched to the victim’s home to pick up the card.
The driver, who may not be aware of the scam, delivers the card to one of the suspects, typically meeting in a business parking lot.
The suspects then use the stolen cards to make large purchases, primarily at Apple retail locations and stores that sell Apple gift cards, including CVS, Walgreens, Target, and Walmart, state police said.
Impacted financial institutions include Citadel Credit Union and TruMark Financial Credit Union in Pennsylvania, troopers said.
Investigators are also aware of customers of TD Bank in New Jersey who have fallen victim to the same scam.
State police emphasized that no legitimate financial institution will ever ask a customer to hand over a credit card to a courier or any third party as part of a fraud investigation. Residents are urged to independently contact their bank using the phone number listed on the back of their card if they receive a suspicious call.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim should immediately notify their financial institution and local law enforcement.
Agencies investigating similar incidents or anyone with information are asked to contact Trooper William Corvese at 610-558-7080 or wcorvese@pa.gov. Callers should reference Pennsylvania State Police incident number PA 2025-1579236.
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