Undercover Sting Keeps Vacuum Cleaner Scam From Being Swept Under The Rug: Police

HAVERSTRAW, NY — A scammer cleaned up on with a credit card scheme targeting an out-of-state business, but police weren't about to let the matter get swept under the rug, officials said.

On Sept. 8, the Town of Haverstraw Police Department received a report from the Ohio-based company about a fraudulent credit card transaction involving the purchase of a commercial vacuum cleaner valued at $999.99.

According to the company, the scammer placed a phone order and used a credit card later determined to be fraudulent. The product was shipped to a business address in Pomona, and was confirmed delivered and signed for, but shortly after delivery, the company was notified that the charge had been disputed by the credit card provider.

When the dust settled, police had their man.

The expensive vacuum was later for sale online, prompting investigators from the Haverstraw Police Department to make contact with the seller. With the assistance of the Rockland County Intelligence Center, the Haverstraw Police Department conducted an undercover operation. Police confirmed that the vacuum for sale was the same model and had the same serial number as the one that had been fleeced from the company.

A 32-year-old Spring Valley man was arrested and charged with criminal possession of stolen property.

The suspect was processed and released on an appearance ticket.

The Town of Haverstraw Police Department took the opportunity to remind residents and businesses to remain vigilant when engaging in online or phone-based transactions and to report any suspected fraudulent activity to local law enforcement.