Youngstown police investigate phone scam

YOUNGSTOWN -- A 55-year-old East Philadelphia Avenue man was scammed out of $349.90 after he gave his checking account number to a caller.
A woman who called said the victim would be entitled to government benefits such as education, business and travel through Advantage America, police said.
The man was told the application fee was $49.95 and the membership fee was $299.95. He told the caller he would look over the application and get back to her, but she said his bank account number was required to hold the deal for him.
After giving the number, the victim checked his account online and discovered two withdrawals -- for $49.95 and $299.95 -- and closed the account. He called the number for Advantage America but got no dial tone. The case was turned over to the detective division Tuesday.