A woman from Clearwater, Florida, was the alleged victim of a telephone scam that cost her $113,000.
According to reports, a 73-year-old woman recently received a call from a man claiming to be a federal agent. He had an Indian accent, and he reportedly informed her that her bank accounts were under attack. He let her know that transferring her funds to an escrow account was the only way to protect them and said he could help her do that. The victim was allegedly instructed to withdraw $17,760 and convert it to Bitcoin using a QR code provided by the caller.
After the initial transaction, the man reportedly called back and told the woman to withdraw more money in the amount of $46,000. A male came to her home to collect the cash, and when he used a code word they previously agreed upon, she thought he could be trusted. A third transaction allegedly took place, and she handed over another $50,000 in cash to the same person.
After she had given them a total of $113,000, the authorities were notified of the alleged scam. They decided to set up a sting operation, and detectives set up surveillance at the woman’s home. They saw a man getting out of a vehicle near the residence, and he was carrying a backpack. It was reported that he seemed to be nervously pacing while talking on the phone. When he went to the door and gave the secret code word, he received what he thought was another $50,000, and undercover detectives swooped in. He and the driver, who was waiting nearby in a Kia SUV, were both arrested.
They were each booked on suspicion of first-degree felony scheming to defraud. If they are convicted as charged, they could each spend up to three decades in jail.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.