Derry Township, PA -- A Derry Township woman lost $247,000 over a three-year period after falling victim to a text messaging scam, according to Pennsylvania State Police. 

In June, troopers were contacted by the victim, 69, who reported a theft by deception between January of 2023 and June of 2026. 

Troopers said the victim received communications through text messaging from various numbers to purchase gift cards and then was instructed to send the code to the actor. 

State police said over the course of the nearly three-year period, the victim sent a total of 507 Apple gift cards, 190 Foot Locker gift cards, 126 Razor Gold gift credits from various big box stores including Walmart, Best Buy, Dollar General, etc. 

Upon purchasing the gift cards, the victim was then instructed to send the gift card numbers to the actor. 

Over the three-year time frame, the victim lost approximately $247,000. 

The victim documented the contact information for the actors however the numbers are no longer active. 

No arrests have been made. 

Authorities continue to encourage potential victims to report suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency. 

Police also advise victims to never give out personal information and never issue payments in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, green dot cards, or cryptocurrency.