On December 6th, a Cumberland County deputy was dispatched to Fairfield to take a fraud report. A couple informed the officer that they have been a victim of a scam.

The couple told officers they had been contacted by “email or text”, (the woman was unsure) and told them that there was a charge from Norton that had been taken from their account. The couple was unaware of the charge, but they wanted to rectify the situation. They were offered to go through their bank, however, the unknown individual told them that that would not work, he would require Target gift cards instead.

The couple went to multiple stores in the area to collect gift cards, finding two gift cards and placing $500 on each one. The couple then sent the gift card information to the unknown individual, by picture text, at which at the time, he stated he needed more. Upon stating this, he “took over” the couple’s home computer, which they granted him permission for, and transferred money from their savings account into their checking account.

The couple decided to contact their financial advisor to try and gather more information about this call. Their financial institution told them to disconnect their computer at home. Afterward, the couple came to the police station to make a scam report.

It was determined that the unknown individual gained access to their computer and accessed their savings and checking account. Two Target gift cards, totaling $1,000 was also given to the unknown individual.

This case is under investigation with no leads and no further information at this time.

Please do not click unknown links received by email or text. Call your bank if you think there may be charges to your account.