Resident Victimized By Court Summons Scam: Newtown Township Police

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA ? This week's incident report from the Newtown Township Police Department is again filled with scams, fraudulent activity, and identity theft.

Among them, police said a resident was victimized by the so called fake court summons scam in which someone claiming to be with law enforcement or the courts calls a victim and claims they owe money to the court for missing a hearing date.

In the Dec. 7 incident, a woman told police that she received a phone call from someone claiming to be a ?Sgt. White.? "Sgt. White" explained to the resident that she was a "key witness" in a court case. And he claimed that she had missed her day to testify and owed $2,500 in fees for missing the court appearance.

The woman told police that she was skeptical, but said ?Sgt. White? reassured her that it was a serious matter and had his ?boss? call her to confirm. The woman agreed to send money via Apple Pay to the caller, made a $50 payment, and awaited further instructions.

Still wary afterward, the resident contacted the Newtown Township Police Department, which
confirmed that it was a scam.

"Residents are reminded that no law enforcement agency, sheriff?s office, etc. will ask for any
monetary value over the phone and that any money exchanges go through the courts when there is a ruling," said police.

In other police reports between Nov. 23 and Dec. 7:

Thursday, November 23

• At approximately 1:15 a.m. police conducted a traffic stop on the driver of a Toyota Tundra for committing a vehicle code violation in the area of the Newtown Bypass and Durham Road. Upon speaking with the driver, the officer detected the odor of alcohol. The driver was unable to perform field sobriety tests satisfactorily and was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. Charges are pending blood evidence results.

Sunday, November 26

• Police were dispatched to a Newtown Township home around 2:30 p.m. for the report of a dispute. As a result of the investigation, a woman was taken into custody without incident on an active arrest warrant from the Central Bucks Regional Police Department.

Monday, November 27

• A Newtown Township resident contacted police around 4 p.m. to report identity theft and wire fraud. The investigation is ongoing and the resident was advised to contact her bank, credit card company, and credit bureaus to further monitor her accounts.

Tuesday, November 28

• At 8 a.m. a Newtown Township resident contacted police to report that she was the victim of contractor fraud. The investigation is ongoing.
• At approximately 11 a.m. police were dispatched to Adorn Me in the Village at Newtown Shopping Center on South Eagle Road for the report of a retail theft that occurred a few days before. The total value of the loss was $298 and the investigation is ongoing.
• A Newtown Township resident contacted police around 12:15 p.m. to report a fraudulent charge on his credit card. The credit card company flagged the purchase, and there was no monetary loss. A Newtown Township resident contacted police around 2 p.m. to report that he was the victim of extortion. The investigation is ongoing .

Friday, December 1

• A Newtown Township resident reported an incident of identity theft. The incident was documented and the resident was advised to contact his banks, credit card companies, and credit bureaus to further monitor his accounts.
• At approximately 6 p.m. police were dispatched to C&N Bank for an incident of fraud. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
• Shortly before 6:30 p.m., police were dispatched to Ulta Beauty for the report of a retail theft. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

Monday, December 4

• A Newtown Township resident stopped at police headquarters at 9:30 a.m. to report an incident of identity theft and wire fraud. The incident was documented and the resident was advised to contact her banks, credit card companies, and credit bureaus to further monitor her accounts.

Thursday, December 7

• A Newtown Township resident stopped at police headquarters at 9:30 a.m. to report an incident of identity theft and wire fraud. The incident was documented and the resident was advised to contact his banks, credit card companies, and credit bureaus to further monitor his accounts.