Mercer County woman, 72, loses $20,000 in phone scam

A 72-year-old Mercer County woman lost $20,000 after falling victim to a phone scam.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, the woman, who lives on Holstein Lane in Springfield Township, received a spam phone call on Feb. 3. During the call, she provided a photocopy of her driver's license to an unknown individual.

On Feb. 11, PNC Bank notified the woman of suspicious activity on her account, and she discovered that $20,000 had been withdrawn. State police are investigating the incident as theft by deception and identity theft.

The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to be wary of unsolicited phone calls, especially those requesting personal information. The FTC recommends the following:  

• Do not give out personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers, over the phone unless you initiated the call and know who you are speaking with.  
• Be suspicious of callers who pressure you to act immediately.
• If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the company or agency directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.
• Do not rely on caller ID, as it can be spoofed.

Report suspected scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.