SCPD Warns Residents Of Phone Scam After Man Lost $1K

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY - Suffolk Police are warning residents of a new phone scam after a Melville man was scammed out of over $1,000 by a caller who stated he worked for the United States Social Security Administration.

Wayne Chertoff, 67, received a phone call on February 28 from a woman who stated she worked for the United States Social Security Administration and there was a warrant out for his arrest in Texas, police said.

The woman told Chertoff he could clear up the warrant if he purchased a Google Play card in the amount of $500 and provided the caller the card number, police said.

The following day, he received another call, this time from a man, who reiterated the warrant information and requested Chertoff purchase two Google Play cards, one for $400 and one for $500, police said.

He provided the caller with the card numbers.

Both calls showed “Social Security” on the caller ID with a legitimate telephone number for the United States Social Security Administration.

The callers used spoofing software to enable the calls to appear as if they were coming from a legitimate source.

This is just one of a number of scams to which people are falling victim.

The department is reminding residents that neither government agencies nor utility companies will ask for payment of fees, fines or bills via prepaid gift cards.

For more information on common scams and how to prevent becoming a victim, visit www.suffolkpd.org.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim of a scam is asked to contact police.