Group Of Fraudsters Try To Access Bank Accounts In Newtown: PD

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Savvy bank employees blocked a group of fraudsters allegedly working to access customer banking information at branches in Newtown, according to information from police.

Police have issued at least one arrest warrant in connection with the attempted heist, and are seeking to identify another suspect.

The good news for local residents: Coordination between TD Bank employees prevented customers from having their money taken.

It began on Feb. 21, when at least two subjects attempted to gain banking information at TD Bank branches in Newtown Township. Both subjects wore arm slings and presented fraudulent out-of-state licenses with photographs in an attempt to get bank account information.

One incident was reported at the branch on Upper Silver Lake Road. A woman entered the bank and presented the employee with an out-of-state driver’s license with her photo. She requested banking statements from TD Bank accounts in the name displayed on the driver’s license, employees told police.

But when the woman was not able to answer security questions on the customer’s account, the staff became suspicious and blocked any access to the account, police said.

After the woman left the bank, employees notified other nearby bank branches and learned that female was part of a group working to fraudulently access customer accounts, police said.

Also that day, a man entered the branch on West Road and did the same thing: used an out-of-state driver’s license with photo to attempt to get bank account access.

A TD Bank employee became suspicious because they had been alerted by their coworkers of the apparent scam.

Sensing staff was suspicious of his activity, the man, later identified as Nicholas William Galoppe, fled to a waiting vehicle, police said. Authorities have since issued a felony arrest warrant; anyone with information on Galoppe's location should submit an online tip by clicking here.

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