WHITE PLAINS — Westchester County police are investigating a scam where criminals posed as Best Buy’s “Geek Squad” to defraud an elderly victim of cash.
The victim received what appeared to be a legitimate email from the “Geek Squad,” according to the Westchester County Police Department’s General Investigations Unit.
After clicking a link in the email, the victim was directed to a seemingly authentic website with a “customer service” phone number.
Upon calling the number, the victim allowed the scammer to remotely access their computer, giving the criminals access to banking information.
The scammers created a fraudulent bank statement showing an inflated balance and claimed funds had been deposited in error.
While keeping the victim on an active phone call to monitor their conversations, the criminals pressured the victim to withdraw cash from their bank immediately.
A person then visited the victim’s home to collect the money, completing the scam.
Detectives from the General Investigations Unit warn that legitimate companies and government agencies never request payment via cash or gift cards.
Police advise residents to be suspicious of unexpected emails or text messages and to independently verify company contact information rather than using links or numbers provided in suspicious communications.
Authorities also recommend never granting computer access to unknown individuals and consulting trusted friends or relatives when uncertain about potentially fraudulent situations.
