'They are getting more devious' Valley Stream woman loses nearly $185K in elaborate scam
Andrea, who asked News 12 not to use her last name, said it began after she clicked a suspicious link that triggered warning messages claiming her device had been hacked.
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A Valley Stream woman says she lost $185,000 - much of it from her retirement savings - after falling victim to what she described as an elaborate scam involving fake federal investigations and fraudulent documents.
Andrea, who asked News 12 not to use her last name, said it began after she clicked a suspicious link that triggered warning messages claiming her device had been hacked.
Believing she was contacting Microsoft support, she called a phone number listed on the screen.
“He hit me in all my vulnerable spots,” Andrea said.
Andrea said the person on the phone claimed to be helping launch an investigation into the alleged hack.
Over the next six weeks, she says the scammers convinced her to transfer nearly $185,000, including money from retirement accounts.
According to Andrea, the scammers sent documents appearing to come from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, claiming her identity had been compromised and linked to a money laundering investigation. She said they warned her that if she did not cooperate immediately, her bank accounts could be frozen and she could face arrest.
“I told the scammer that I was crying every night,” Andrea said. “He assured me his phone was on him 24/7.”
Andrea said the scammers instructed her not to tell anyone because someone she once trusted could allegedly be behind the hack. She also claims they gave her scripts to use when speaking with her bank and financial adviser so the transfers would not be flagged.
“He goes, ‘Well, that’s what scammers do. They get into your head, and they mess with your mind.’ Meanwhile, he was the scammer,” Andrea said.
Cybersecurity expert and Lifewire.com editor-in-chief Lance Ulanoff said the tactic is known as “social engineering,” where scammers manipulate victims emotionally while creating a sense of panic and urgency.
“Stop, think, don’t react,” Ulanoff said. “They’ll go as long as they need to. Depending on what opportunity they see, they’re more than willing to play the long game.”
Ulanoff said people should independently verify any claims involving hacked accounts or federal investigations by contacting companies or agencies directly through official websites or phone numbers.
Nassau police told News 12 there is an active investigation. Andrea said detectives warned her it may be difficult to recover the money she lost.
“They are getting more devious,” Andrea said. “I never thought I would be in this situation ever.”
