A former Miss New York, Briana Siaca, recently revealed how she was deceived by two teenagers who convinced her to transfer $2,000 through the digital payment app Zelle under false pretenses.
The teens, posing as solicitors for their basketball team, approached Siaca while she was in Madison Square Park during daylight hours. Initially appearing polite and harmless, they requested a donation for their team.
Siaca, recalling the encounter, explained that she offered to contribute $5 and asked for their Zelle account details. However, one of the teens insisted on inputting the information himself, reassuring her that it was not necessary for her to do so.
Trusting their word, Siaca unwittingly authorized a transfer of $2,000 through Zelle. Realizing the deception, she promptly reported the incident to her bank and the New York Police Department (NYPD). Despite her own misfortune, Siaca felt compelled to share her experience on social media to alert others to the scam.
Her post garnered significant attention, with numerous individuals reaching out to her, revealing that they too had fallen victim to similar scams. The NYPD also took to social media to caution New Yorkers against handing over their phones to strangers.
Reflecting on the incident, Siaca expressed regret at letting her guard down and emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant, particularly in situations involving financial transactions with unfamiliar individuals.
Siaca’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of online scams and the need for heightened awareness and caution, even in seemingly innocuous settings.