In a concerning incident of financial fraud, state police have apprehended two men implicated in a scam that targeted a Northumberland County resident. This case highlights the importance of being vigilant against scams that exploit unsuspecting victims.
KULPMONT, Pa. — State police at Stonington accused two men from New York of involvement in a phone scam that bilked a Northumberland County man out of thousands of dollars.
The two suspects were identified in criminal complaints as Jianxin Lin, 36, and Xuejie Lin, 34, both of Brooklyn. The state police issued warrants for them earlier this month.
They were charged with several fraud-related offenses that alleged they used gift cards purchased with $5,000 scammed out of a Kulpmont man named John Bobber to buy soft drinks and sundry household goods, such as disinfecting wipes and paper towels. The two, state police said, are connected to resale businesses in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia.
Bobber was robbed in July when he received a phone call notifying him that his bank account was hacked and he needed to buy gift cards to protect the money in his account. He purchased 12 gift cards from Walmart, Weis Markets, and CVS and provided the caller with the card information.
State police identified the Lins by working with loss prevention from Walmart and Sam’s Club.
They are facing charges of possessing and using counterfeit devices, theft, receiving stolen property, and corrupt organizations.
Key Takeaways
- Two men from New York have been charged in a phone scam targeting a Northumberland County resident.
- The suspects allegedly stole $5,000 using gift cards purchased by the victim.
- Bobber received fraudulent advice to buy gift cards to secure his bank account.
- The suspects are linked to resale operations across multiple states.
- Law enforcement collaborated with retailers to identify the perpetrators.
FAQ
What was the scam about?
The scam involved a fraudulent phone call claiming the victim’s bank account was compromised, prompting him to buy gift cards.
How much money was stolen?
The victim lost $5,000 through the purchase of gift cards.
What charges are the suspects facing?
The suspects are charged with fraud-related offenses, including theft and possession of counterfeit devices.
How were the suspects identified?
The suspects were identified through collaboration between law enforcement and loss prevention teams at retail stores.
This incident serves as a reminder for individuals to remain cautious of unsolicited phone calls and requests for sensitive information. Ensuring awareness of common scams can help protect personal finances.
