Schenectady woman accused of stealing over $10K

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Schenectady woman was arrested and is accused of stealing over $10,000 as part of a scheme. India Evans, 43, is charged with third-degree grand larceny.

New York State Police say an investigation began in late April when the victim reported to troopers that she got a phone call from someone identifying themself as a public defender. The caller allegedly said a member of the victim's family was in an accident and needed a large sum of money.

Police say the victim was told to wrap cash in a magazine, seal it in an envelope, and give it to a carrier. After handing over the money, the victim was again told to send more money, this time through Western Union.

Police say the victim attempted to contact her family member and confirm an accident did happen but wasn't able to until much later. The victim later found out their family member wasn't in an accident and she had been scammed.

Through an investigation, police identified Evans as the carrier that picked up the first "payment." Evans was later picked up by Schenectady Police and taken to State Troopers. She was taken to Central Arraignment and processed at the Otsego County Jail.

State Police remind citizens that scammers use such scare tactics to create a sense of urgency. Citizens are also reminded to contact family members before handing off or sending money in an incident like this.