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Phone scam may have affected dozens, suspect arrested

Posted at 2:27 PM, Mar 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-13 14:27:34-04

The Erie County District Attorney issued a phone scam warning Monday that could have affected dozens of people.

The scam is called credit muling. According tot he District Attorney's Office, the scammer offers a quick way to make some cash, gives you $100 to buy a new wireless contract and hand over the new phone that comes with it. 

The scammer will assure you that you will not be on the hook for the contract, claiming information from the contract would be transferred or "ported over" within 15 to 30 days.

The D.A. says the problem is cell phone companies require you give back the phone before ending the contract. Without the phone, the victim is required to pay monthly service fees for the length of the contract.

New York State Police charged 31-year-old Bena Albaneh of Lackawanna with Scheming to Defraud for allegedly being involved in the scam. He is accused of duping dozens of people, but police believe there are more victims out there.

If you believe you or a family member may have been victim of this scam, call state police at (716) 853-2283.