PUTNAM — Police in Putnam issued warnings Monday after an elderly resident recently became the victim of a tech support scam, losing thousands of dollars in the process.
According to the Putnam Police Department, the victim reported she had been contacted by someone claiming to represent a legitimate technology company called Sapphire Softech Solutions.
The scam began when individuals posing as tech support informed the victim there was an issue with her computer or internet-enabled device.
Scammers instructed the victim to call a number they provided, assuring her that the problem could be corrected.
The victim was then warned falsely that her financial accounts had been hacked and advised to immediately transfer her funds into a third-party account to safeguard them.
Authorities said the scammers directed the victim to call the number listed on the back of her bank card, but this number connected her instead to another scammer posing as a bank representative or federal official.
In this particular scheme, police said scammers instructed victims to liquidate assets into cash or precious metals, which are then collected by couriers at homes or other agreed-upon locations.
The scammers involved in this case also sent official-looking documents on fake U.S. government letterhead to further enhance their credibility, police said.
Putnam police reminded residents to remain vigilant, instructing them not to click links or attachments sent through unsolicited emails, popup windows, or text messages.
Police urged people to never authorize unknown individuals access to their computers, download unfamiliar software, or meet unknown people to hand over cash or valuables.
Federal agencies will not ask individuals to wire money, send cryptocurrency, precious metals, or purchase gift cards to resolve financial or technological problems, authorities warned.
Officials stressed the importance of slowing down when faced with pressure to make quick decisions, advising residents to visit their bank in person if notified of suspicious financial activity.
Putnam police strongly encouraged anyone who receives suspicious requests involving personal information, credit cards, or bank accounts via phone or email solicitations to immediately contact police for assistance.
