Pa. State Police, Secret Service investigate $5M theft scheme in Western Pa.

The United States Secret Service, with assistance from Pennsylvania State Police, has opened an investigation into a multi-million-dollar theft scheme in Unity Township. Officials said an individual from Unity Township contacted them after they were scammed out of $5 million from someone who posed to be employeed with the Federal Trade Commission. Pennsylvania State Police was notified of the fraud investigation by the U.S. Secret Service in late February.The victim said they first responded to text messages regarding a PayPal transaction. The response then led to the victim being contacted again by a person who claimed to work at the Federal Trade Commission. Officials said the victim was first asked to provide cash, and later asked to purchase gold bars. The transaction occurred in the Unity Township area. Secret Service, with the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police, is asking any victim of similar circumstances, regardless of a completed transaction, to contact state police at 724-832-3288. Authorities are encouraging potential victims to report any suspicious activity and to never give out any personal information. You are also encouraged to never offer payments without consulting a credible agency first. Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. —

The United States Secret Service, with assistance from Pennsylvania State Police, has opened an investigation into a multi-million-dollar theft scheme in Unity Township.

Officials said an individual from Unity Township contacted them after they were scammed out of $5 million from someone who posed to be employeed with the Federal Trade Commission.

Pennsylvania State Police was notified of the fraud investigation by the U.S. Secret Service in late February.

The victim said they first responded to text messages regarding a PayPal transaction. The response then led to the victim being contacted again by a person who claimed to work at the Federal Trade Commission.

Officials said the victim was first asked to provide cash, and later asked to purchase gold bars. The transaction occurred in the Unity Township area.

Secret Service, with the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police, is asking any victim of similar circumstances, regardless of a completed transaction, to contact state police at 724-832-3288.

Authorities are encouraging potential victims to report any suspicious activity and to never give out any personal information. You are also encouraged to never offer payments without consulting a credible agency first.

Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.