The East Lansdowne Police Department is warning residents about a growing fraud scheme known as the "Phantom Hacker Scam."

Scammers may call, email, or text claiming to be from a government agency, your bank, a technology company, or law enforcement. They often tell victims that their bank account, computer, or personal information has been compromised and that immediate action is required.

⚠️ WARNING SIGNS:
• Urgent demands for secrecy or immediate action
• Claims that your money is at risk
• Requests to move money to a "safe" account
• Instructions to purchase gift cards
• Requests for gift card numbers over the phone
• Demands for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers

❌ NEVER PURCHASE GIFT CARDS TO PAY A BILL OR RESOLVE A PROBLEM.
No government agency, police department, bank, utility company, or legitimate business will ever request payment using gift cards.

If someone asks you to purchase gift cards to protect your money, pay a fee, avoid arrest, or fix a computer issue, it is a SCAM.

✅ Hang up immediately.
✅ Do not provide personal or financial information.
✅ Contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number.
✅ Report suspected scams to your local police department.

Protect yourself and your loved ones—especially senior citizens, who are often targeted by these criminals.