$13K Gift Card Scam, Nails On Driveways: Lower Makefield Crimes

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —Numerous scams and frauds were among the criminal incidents the Lower Makefield Township Police Department reported in its blotter for the past week.

These are the criminal incidents:

Feb. 19

Criminal Mischief —Unit block of Noreen Drive at 2:42 p.m. The complainant reports that they found roofing nails in their driveway. They believe they were placed there on purpose by an unknown person.

Fraud —1600 Block of Manion Way at 10:39 a.m. The complainant reports that they received a text message believed to be from Apple that a $1,600 charge was on their account. The complainant called the number and was redirected supposedly to their bank. They were told to buy four gift cards for $500 each. The complainant did so and then shared information with the scammer. Total loss is $2,000.

Feb. 17

Criminal Mischief —1300 Block of Newtown-Yardley Road at 12:33 p.m. The complainant reports that they noticed roofing nails on the driveway and walkway. The complainant believes that it was politically motivated. However, the complainant does not have any signage on the property.

Feb. 15

Fraud —300 Block of North Flint Court at 2:29 p.m. The complainant reports that they paid an online bill of $529.79. After making the payment, she was contacted by an unknown person telling them that the payment was charged twice and the complainant needed to buy gift cards. It was then that the complainant realized it was a scam phone call. The complainant saw a charge on their account and reported it to the bank. There was no monetary loss at the time of the report.

Feb. 14

Fraud —800 Block of Weber Drive at 7:16 p.m. The complainant received a call from an unknown person after they believed their iPad was hacked. The caller, who claimed to be from Apple support requested that the complainant purchase gift cards, which they did. Monetary loss of $13,000.

Identity Theft —100 Block of Marlboro Road at 6:45 p.m. The complainant reports that they received bills from Verizon that were $600 for an account that they did not open. Matter was reported to Verizon. There was no monetary loss.

Fraud —300 Block of Tall Meadow Lane at 4:10 p.m. The complainant reports that they hired a contractor they found online for home renovations and gave them a deposit of $1,500 in cash. The contractor started the work but never finished. The complainant has not been able to contact the
contractor since.

Theft —6100 Block of Spruce Mill Drive at 4 p.m. The complainant reports that their credit card was used by an unknown person for $699.58. The complainant reported to the bank and closed the account. No financial loss was reported.