Woman loses $36K in scam by caller who told her to deposit funds into Bitcoin ATM
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to the public regarding a recent scam where a person posing as an attorney defrauded a victim in northeastern Bexar County. The victim received a call from a man claiming to be an attorney with a pretrial incarceration program, informing her that her son had been in a car accident and arrested for DUI. The scammer fabricated details about the case, including falsely claiming that the other driver involved was pregnant and a retired federal employee, and that her son’s bail was set at $180,000.
The victim complied with the scammer’s demands to deposit $18,000 into a Bitcoin ATM machine located on Walzem Street to secure her son’s release. The fraudster then contacted the victim again, falsely claiming that the pregnant driver had experienced a miscarriage, and demanded an additional $18,000 which the victim also deposited into the Bitcoin kiosk. Subsequently, the scammer asked for another $20,000 to have the case dismissed.
Fortunately, the victim attempted to withdraw funds from her bank, where a teller recognized the situation as a scam and advised her to verify the caller’s information with her son. Following this advice, the victim discovered that her son was safe at home and not involved in any accident. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office offered several tips to prevent falling victim to such scams, including reminders that legitimate law enforcement agencies and attorneys will never demand payment through unconventional methods like Bitcoin, gift cards, or kiosks. They also encouraged individuals to hang up immediately upon receiving suspicious calls, verify information directly with their loved ones, and report any scams to the sheriff’s office dispatch.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of scams and the importance of remaining vigilant against fraudulent activities. By staying informed and following the advice provided by law enforcement, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to similar schemes. It is crucial to verify the authenticity of any unusual requests for money or personal information and to report any suspicious behavior to the relevant authorities. Vigilance and caution are essential in safeguarding against financial exploitation and other forms of deception in an increasingly digital age.
