Waynesboro, PA (JK) – The Waynesboro Police Department is warning the public to be cautious after recently investigating two similar computer refund scams involving local residents. One case resulted in a significant financial loss, while another resident identified the scam before any money was taken.
Police say the scheme typically begins with a pop-up window on a computer claiming to be from Microsoft 365 or another well-known company and instructing the user to call a phone number for support.
Once the victim makes contact, scammers falsely claim they accidentally deposited a large refund into the victim’s bank account and demand repayment. Victims are often pressured to stay on the phone, withdraw large amounts of cash from one or more banks, and hand the money over to a courier at a public location.
Authorities emphasize that legitimate businesses and banks will never send someone to pick up cash or ask customers to return money through gift cards or cash withdrawals. Residents are also urged never to allow unknown individuals remote access to their computers.
Anyone receiving a suspicious pop-up, phone call, email, or text message requesting money or personal information should avoid responding, close the message, hang up, and contact their bank or local police department using verified contact information.
Police encourage residents to share information about these scams with family members, friends, and older adults, who are frequently targeted by fraud schemes.
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