Scam artists reported in Putnam County

CARMEL – Scam artists have been plaguing the innocent in Putnam County.

Carmel Police Monday reported a resident losing $4,000 when callers posing as bank security and a federal investigator convinced the victim to make $500 transfers at different stores.

Police Chief Anthony Hoffmann reminded the public, “If a caller says your account has been compromised and requests a withdrawal of cash or load money onto an app at a local pharmacy or convenience store, hang up and immediately notify the bank.”

In a second incident, a Carmel business told authorities that someone had accessed an employee’s email account and used it to bill a customer $11,000 for an unpaid invoice.

“Confirm every payment request by phone, using a number already on file,” Hoffman said.

The sheriff’s department also reported a scam — this time involving the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Brian Hess said scammers attempted to steal money from a Brewster resident by impersonating as a deputy with the sheriff’s department.

The sheriff said the victim recognized the scam and did not send any money while reporting the ruse to authorities.