New York State Police probe gift‑card fraud schemes in northern and central New York

State police are investigating a series of fraud attempts that involved using counterfeit $100 bills at Dollar General stores in Jefferson and Oswego counties. The suspect, described as a Black male aged 20‑30, tried to load $500 onto online gift‑card accounts, and similar incidents were reported at stores in Watertown and Hannibal. Troopers are seeking information on the suspect, who is believed to be driving a gray four‑door sedan.

In a separate case, New York State Police are asking the public to help identify a person captured in surveillance footage after stolen credit cards were used to purchase over $3,000 in gift cards at Kinney Drugs in Alexandria Bay. The cards were allegedly taken from a vehicle on Wellesley Island, and investigators have not released further details while the grand larceny investigation remains active.