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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Amy
Figard |
State Rep. Paul Costa |
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Scam phone caller preying on Costa’s constituents
TURTLE CREEK, June 28 -- State Rep. Paul Costa, D-Allegheny, is warning Pennsylvanians and the people he represents to beware of scam phone calls using his name.
The warning comes after constituents recently made Costa aware of a suspicious call they received purportedly from the representative. The caller knew the amount of constituents’ government checks and asked for their bank account information so the money could be deposited.
“This scammer is impersonating a public official, and should not be given the information he is seeking,” Costa said. “Neither the government, nor any bank, ever asks for personal bank account information over the phone, so please do not let yourself fall victim to this scam.”
Costa urges anyone who receives a similar call to try to get as much information from the caller as possible, such as a name, company or organization, and phone number, without giving away any information themselves.
“If you are able to get a name or the caller’s number from Caller ID or by dialing *69 after hanging up, you’ll be armed with significant information that may help law enforcement stop this scammer,” Costa said.
People who receive the scam phone call should file a report with the Office of the Attorney General. Reports can be filed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-800-441-2555.
Costa’s legislative district includes a portion of the city of Pittsburgh and North Versailles Township; Wilkins Township; and the boroughs of Braddock, Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Churchill, East McKeesport, Edgewood, Forest Hills, North Braddock, Rankin, Swissvale, Turtle Creek and Wilmerding.
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