$73K Wire Fraud Scam Targets Princeton Resident: Blotter

PRINCETON, NJ — A Princeton resident was recently scammed out of $73,000, according to the police blotter.

On May 18 at 3:40 p.m., a Patton Avenue resident reported that she was contacted by text message by an account claiming to be Bank of America customer support.

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The victim was told that there was suspicious activity on her account and that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was involved, according to police.

The victim reportedly wired $73,000 to an unknown person in Florida.

Other Princeton Police blotter items:

On May 19 at 9:28 a.m.: A victim of Stockton Street reported that an unknown person impersonated his employer’s Chief Executive Officer, instructing him to purchase three Sephora gift cards valued at $250 each from a Shoprite, as well as four gift cards valued at $250 each from a Target. The victim purchased the gift cards and sent the suspect the gift card access codes. A total loss of $1,750 was sustained.

On May 23 at 3:56 a.m.: Patrols responded to the Hulfish Street Parking Garage for the report of an unwanted person. The person was located and identified as Miguel Tlaseca-
Tapia, who had previously been advised of his Persona Non Grata status at that location. Tlaseca-Tapia was issued a summons for defiant trespass.

On May 24 at 11:41 p.m.: A suspect shoplifted a Purple Label Collection Navy Linen Blazer valued at $1,990 from Ralph Lauren on Nassau Street. The incident is under investigation.

On May 25: A victim reported someone caused damage to the roof of 140 Nassau Street. A metal lock was cut to gain access to the roof, where flower pots were then smashed, causing a leak in the ceiling. An air conditioning condenser drainage pipe
was damaged, and graffiti was located. Around $4,000 in damages were sustained. The incident is under investigation.

On May 25 at 11:46 a.m.: Subsequent to a motor vehicle stop for an expired registration, the driver, Peter Balcom, 44, of Princeton, was found to have an active criminal warrant and an active traffic warrant for his arrest out of multiple jurisdictions. Balcom was placed under arrest, processed,
and released on his own recognizance.

On May 25 at 10:33 p.m.: Subsequent to a motor vehicle stop on South Harrison in which a random plate inquiry revealed that the driver/registered owner, Taquise Hill, 30, of Trenton, was found to have two active traffic warrants for his arrest out of Trenton Municipal Court. Hill was placed under arrest, processed, and released on his own recognizance.

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