Newtown Police Log: Fraudulent Activity On The Rise

NEWTOWN, PA — The Newtown Township Police Department reported the following incidents between Feb. 26 and March 4, 2021.

February 26

A resident reported that their Social Security number and a fraudulent South Carolina driver's license were used to apply for a $3,000 personal loan from a bank. The bank manager recognized the red flag when the picture on the driver's license did not match the applicant and placed a hold on the loan. There was no monetary loss and an investigation is ongoing.

At 9:15 p.m., police were dispatched to the intersection of Richboro Road and Cambridge Lane to check the well-being of a man on the sidewalk area. Police made contact with the man who refused medical treatment. He was charged with possessing drug paraphernalia and public drunkenness.

February 27

Around 12:45 a.m., police stopped a green 2017 Acura sedan for a traffic violation on the Newtown Bypass near Newtown Gate Drive. The officer detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. The driver was unable to perform field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence.

March 1

Around 11 a.m., police stopped a gray 2004 BMW for a traffic violation on Park Avenue and Township Line Road in Wrightstown Township. The officer detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana. The driver satisfactorily performed field sobriety tests, but a small amount of suspected marijuana was discovered and taken as evidence. Charges are pending evidence results.

At 3:30 p.m., a resident contacted police to report receiving an unsolicited VISA card in the mail with unemployment assistance. The resident filed a report with the state department.

March 3

A resident reported to police that she received an email from Norton Anti-Virus about being charged $399 for protection. She called the number on the screen and spoke to a man who took control of her computer. He then told her that he put $3,999 into her bank account by mistake and instructed her to use a cash app to send money back to him. She closed her computer down and called the bank to close the account. The complainant did not suffer a monetary loss. Police advised her to contact credit agencies to prevent further fraudulent activity.

Around 5:30 p.m., police were called to Ulta Beauty on Eagle Road for a retail theft. Two people entered the store an hour prior and walked out with $686.88 worth of merchandise without paying for it. An investigation is ongoing.

March 4

A Wrightstown Township resident contacted police after she received a notification that a Direct TV account was fraudulently opened in her name. She addressed the problem with Direct TV and was advised to contact credit agencies to prevent further fraudulent activity.

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