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Police Alerting Residents About Wine Delivery Scam

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Police are alerting local residents about a new scam that's making the rounds.

The Southwest Regional Police Department says they have "become aware of increased criminal activity using fraudulent wine delivery services."

They say no cases have been reported locally, but they wanted to get the word out.

Police say residents should both be suspicious of gifts and prizes that require payment, and know that deliveries of wine directly to homes and residences are illegal in Pennsylvania.

One victim, according to police, was scammed out of $4,000.

Authorities say it all started when she got a phone call from someone claiming to be from a delivery service. Shortly after, someone dressed in a delivery uniform showed up at her home with flowers and wine, and told her there was a $3.50 fee because of the alcohol involved in the transaction.

According to police, the fake delivery person used a device to scan the woman's credit card.

About three days later, the woman noticed $4,000 had been withdrawn from her checking account using the card she had paid the fee with.

Southwest Regional Police are asking that people report any suspicious activity.

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