Police in Schuylkill County are warning residents about an online scam that recently cost two people a total of $34,000.
According to Minersville Police Chief Jeffrey Bowers, his department has received 2 reports in the last month involving the same scam.
The scam involves a warning message about child pornography appearing on victims' computers, instructing them to call a provided phone number to remove the material. Once the victims call the number, they are asked to stay on the phone and go to the Athena Bitcoin machine at the Minersville General Store on North 2nd Street to make payments. After making the payments, the scammers disappear.
A resident from St. Clair and another from Blythe Township fell victim to this scam. In the first incident, the victim deposited $10,000 into the Bitcoin machine. In the second incident, $24,000 was deposited.
Police are investigating both incidents and urge anyone else who may have fallen for this scam to contact law enforcement immediately.
A resident from St. Clair and another from Blythe Township fell victim to this scam. In the first incident, the victim deposited $10,000 into the Bitcoin machine. In the second incident, $24,000 was deposited.
Police are investigating both incidents and urge anyone else who may have fallen for this scam to contact law enforcement immediately.