Residents Scammed Out Of $7K: Newtown Twp. Crime Report

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The Newtown Township Police Department reported the following incidents and arrests between May 27 and May 29:

May 27

• Scam Alert - At approximately 3:30 p.m., a Newtown Township resident contacted police to report a gift card scam. The resident received a phone call from someone who claimed his YouTube TV account would be canceled unless he provided payment via gift cards. The resident fell for the scam and spent $3,500 on gift cards. Police remind residents that legitimate businesses and government agencies will never ask for payment in gift cards. Never give out gift card information to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. If you're unsure about a contact, verify their identity by contacting them directly through a known phone number or email address.

May 28

• At approximately 2:15 p.m., police were dispatched to a Newtown Township home for the report of a theft. The investigation is ongoing.

May 29

• SCAM ALERT - Throughout the day, the police business office received a few inquiries from residents concerned about texts that they received. Police confirmed that a recent scam that is currently circulating involves text messages impersonating the Pennsylvania Court system, claiming that the victim has an outstanding traffic ticket and demanding payment via a scam URL. The texts threaten license and vehicle suspension, criminal prosecution, and negative credit impacts if payment is not received. The Pennsylvania Courts will never solicit payments via text message or any electronic funds transfer. Do not respond to the text or click on any links.

• SCAM ALERT - A Newtown Township resident contacted police around 2 p.m. to report a gift card scam. The resident received an email about an increase in his Netflix bill. When he called the phone number to sort things out, he was instructed to purchase several gift cards and to provide the PINs. The resident fell for the scam and spent $3,500 on gift cards.

• At approximately 11:15 p.m., police conducted a traffic stop on the driver of a Mazda sedan for committing a vehicle code violation in the area of Lower Dolington Road and Yorkshire Drive. Upon speaking with the driver, the officer detected the odor of alcohol. The driver was unable to perform field sobriety tests satisfactorily and was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. Suspected narcotics were also discovered and seized as evidence. Charges are pending.