By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities are investigating a scam that left a woman out $385 after a deceptive encounter at Citizens Bank in the Ironbound section of Newark on Wednesday afternoon.
According to a statement released by Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé, police were called to the bank at 255 Lafayette St. around 4 p.m. in response to a reported theft.
Upon arrival, officers learned that the female victim had been approached by two men after she exited the bank. The men asked for her financial assistance in claiming their supposed lottery winnings.
In an attempt to help, the woman withdrew money from her bank account.
Following her interaction with the suspects, additional withdrawals were made, totaling $385.
The woman was not physically forced from the location but returned to the bank to report the incident to employees after realizing the scam.
This incident remains under investigation, and authorities are seeking information on the two suspects involved.