Scam Artists Are 'Terrifying' Chester County Residents: Sheriff

WEST CHESTER, PA — Ongoing scams in Chester County are "terrifying" residents into giving away money and vital personal information, according to the Chester County Sheriff's Office.

In one recent case, a scam artist, who identified himself as "Brian Richardson," claimed to be calling from the Chester County Courthouse, police said. He told the Chester County resident that she owed the Bank of America $2,773, and that if she did not pay, there would be court action against her, resulting in legal fees.

"Richardson" offered to settle with the woman for a mere $1,500, which would collected in $50 monthly installments from her debit card, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The woman, scared by the caller's threats, gave Richardson the debit card info. By the time she realized she'd made a mistake and called the real authorities, $50 had already been taken from her account.

Police said the woman has since changed her account and told her bank what happened, but she's still at risk.

The latest scams record your voice and use it later on as a "voice signature" to confirm fraudulent purchases, authorities said.

"Authorities warn that engaging in conversation with scammers can enable the crooks to doctor recordings in which they use the victim’s actual voice as proof that the person agreed to purchase a large-ticket item and then defaulted on the payment," the Sheriff's Office said. "If your phone rings and someone asks “can you hear me?” — hang up. By answering “yes,” you provide thieves with a “voice signature” that can be used fraudulently to authorize unwanted charges."

Scammers often target vulnerable populations like the elderly with their schemes. Residents are urged to educate their family on the dangers of scams.

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