Clairton, PA – Allegheny County Police Department have charged a New York woman after a Clairton man was scammed out of more than $19,000. Detectives revealed that Rachel Chen from Staten Island, NY, was part of a group targeting the victim on February 29, 2024. The victim was misled into withdrawing the money from his account to exchange it with Chen, who convinced him the funds would go into a new bank account.
Detectives, as part of their investigation, identified Chen’s vehicle. She was found to have been apprehended for a similar theft in New Hampshire. Various pieces of evidence connecting Chen to the Clairton theft were discovered.
Chen faces charges of receiving stolen property, theft by deception, and criminal conspiracy and is currently detained in New Hampshire.
Authorities warn that such scams are prevalent and urge the public to be vigilant. Resources about protecting oneself from common scams are available at the FBI’s website.