On July 15, 2024, Barnstable Police and the U.S. Secret Service New England Cyber Fraud Task Force arrested Khaseem Allah, a 25-year-old man from Albany, New York, after he allegedly scammed an Osterville resident out of $100,000 through a business email compromise.
The investigation began in November 2023 after an Osterville resident was instructed by email to redirect a payment of $100,000 to an unauthorized account. The company contacted the victim when they discovered the fraudulent action. A Barnstable Police Detective assigned to the USSS Cyber Fraud Task Force traced the transaction to a bank in New York, linking Allah to the crime.
Khaseem Allah was charged with Larceny Over $1,200 after a Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office indictment and arrest warrant. He was arrested in Troy, New York, with help from the Massachusetts State Police VFAS Unit and the U.S. Marshals Service. Allah waived extradition and was transported to Barnstable Police Department. At his arraignment, Allah was held on $50,000 bail and ordered to wear GPS monitoring if bail is posted.
Barnstable Police urge residents to be cautious of phishing scams. The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) advises confirming payment requests by phone, avoiding suspicious emails, and using updated antivirus software.
Important tips include:
Verify payment changes with companies directly.
Don’t respond to suspicious emails or phone calls.
Use antivirus software and spam filters.
Never send cash via money transfer services.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also warns against sharing personal details and suggests being wary of high-pressure solicitations.
Note: All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
