Police Warn About Fake 'Geek Squad' Email Scam Targeting Elderly

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The Geek Squad has a reputation form "making it work," but according to law enforcement, the company's good name is being borrowed by unscrupulous elements to nefarious ends.

The Westchester County Police Department General Investigations Unit is warning about a complicated scam that targeted a Westchester County victim

In this case, the victim received an email that appeared to be from the "Geek Squad" at Best Buy. The victim clicked a link in the email and was taken to a website that seemed legitimate and included a phone number for "customer service," according to investigators. Once the would-be victim called the number, it allowed the person on the other end to access her computer remotely, giving them access to check her banking records.

A fraudulent edit of the bank account was then created that showed the victim's bank balance was inflated. Then, a claim was made that funds were deposited in error to the victim's account and someone would be coming by the house to pick up cash to rectify the problem. The victim was bullied into going to the bank right away to withdraw the "accidental funds" — all while the phone call remains active, so the scammers can listen and coach them what not to say, according to police.

The scammers will ultimately send someone to pick up the money in person, authorities said.

"This scam has the hallmark of so many others," Westchester County PD said. "Scams often involve unsolicited phone calls or emails, suspicious links, callers who create a sense of urgency and who make demands to resolve the matter with cash or gift cards. This is a big red flag: Legitimate companies or government agencies will never ask for payment in that fashion."

Westchester County General Investigations Unit Detectives offered a few tips for avoiding even the most legitimate-looking online scams:

• Be suspicious of unexpected emails or text messages.
• Always conduct your own online search to locate a company/agency phone number or website rather than call the number or click a link provided to you.
• Don't grant anyone access to your personal computer unless you are certain who you are dealing with.
• Never agree to pay for any service or make any reimbursement with gifts cards. That has scam written all over it.
• Do not allow any stranger to come to your home to collect cash as "reimbursement."
• Do not let anyone keep you on the phone to bully you into going to a bank or coach you on what to say.
• When in doubt, ask a trusted friend or relative if the situation seems legitimate before taking any action.
• Do not hesitate to call police to report these incidents.