Pennridge Regional Police. Photo by James Short.
Pennridge Regional Police are investigating a string of recent fraud complaints affecting both residents and businesses in the area.
On Sept. 8, a business owner in the 1400 block of Bethlehem Pike in West Rockhill reported being defrauded of $5,000. According to police, the victim received an email claiming the business owed the money for building permits. Believing the message was legitimate, the owner wired the money. Weeks later, another email arrived indicating the earlier messages were fraudulent. The investigation remains ongoing.
Another case was reported Sept. 10, when a resident in the 500 block of Callowhill Street in Perkasie Borough discovered a Home Depot credit card had been fraudulently opened in their name. The resident received a bill for more than $1,500 in charges from a store in the Pittsburgh area. Police said no financial loss occurred.
On Sept. 12, officers were dispatched to a home in the 100 block of Farmers Lane in East Rockhill after a resident nearly fell victim to another scheme. The individual received an email claiming they were owed $460, followed by a phone call from someone alleging $50,000 had been mistakenly wired into their account. The caller attempted to convince the victim to wire the money back. Bank staff intervened, and no funds were lost.
Police advised residents and businesses to remain cautious when responding to unsolicited emails, phone calls, or financial requests, and to contact authorities immediately if suspicious activity occurs.
