A victim was cheated out of $1,500 by someone that the victim believed was an employment attorney to handle a wrongful termination issue, according to the Hopewell Township Police Department.
After speaking with the alleged attorney on Aug. 15, the victim believed they had formally retained the law firm to represent them, police said. The victim disclosed personally identifying information and sent three wire transfers totaling $1,500 through Western Union and Zelle as client fees.
The victim also reported receiving several emails about virtual hearings with corresponding Zoom links, and was informed that the case had been won. The victim was told that the settlement was $200,000 and a check would be sent in that amount – but the victim would need to pay a $15,000 tax fee.
The victim suspected a scam and tried to find the alleged attorney’s website again to examine it further, but could not find it. The total loss in the fraud and theft incident, which was reported on Oct. 15, was $1,500, police said.
