A suspect who committed a voice phishing scam targeting an 80-year-old woman in Manhattan is wanted. According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the suspect called an 87-year-old woman at around noon on the 29th of last month and told her that her grandson had been arrested by the police on suspicion of DUI and that he would be released if she paid a bail of $16,900.
The suspect then arranged to meet the victim that day near 5th Avenue and East 11th Street in Manhattan. The victim gave the suspect the cash he demanded, and the suspect took it and fled south on 5th Avenue. After the incident, the victim found out that her grandson was not involved in the charges and reported it to the police as a voice phishing case.
Police said the suspect is 6 feet tall, weighs about 230 pounds, and was wearing a green baseball cap, white short-sleeved T-shirt, and black pants when last seen. Tip: 800-577-8477 Meanwhile, according to the police, to prevent damage from voice phishing scams, you should never provide personal information or respond to requests for money over the phone.
Even if they claim to be the police, banks, IRS, or social security authorities, you should not believe them. Governments and banks prohibit asking for personal information or requesting money over the phone. Police advise that if in doubt, hang up the phone and immediately notify your children and other family members to prevent or minimize damage.