IRWIN TWP, Venango County — A suspected phishing scam hooked a 46-year-old woman.

But the victim’s modest loss of money, authorities said, could have been much larger if not for her bank.

The unknown con man May 21 contacted the woman through Facebook, identifying himself as a “special agent,” according to a police report

The suspect told his target that she had won a $70,000 prize. But to collect the prize money, she would first need to send him $50 by Western Union wire transfer.

The woman provided the scammer with her bank account information, police said.

Not only did she not receive the $70,000, but the suspect tried to withdraw $71,000 from her bank account apparently in more than one bogus transaction.

The bank, however, canceled the transactions after monitors flagged them, believing they were fraudulent.

Authorities have previously warned the public about similar scams, noting that phishing is a scheme typically carried out with the help of unsolicited e-mail or a fake website that poses as a legitimate site.

Phishers employ the technique hoping to lure in potential victims and prompt them to provide valuable personal and financial information.

Police said their investigation continues but they were unavailable for additional comment.