On May 3, 2012 deputies responded to a call regarding a recent fraud. The victim was a 75 year old Dexter resident and reported that she had just been "scammed".
On May 2nd the victim received a call from a male subject that called her "grandma". The victim believed this to be her grandson and continued to have a conversation with the suspect. The suspect claimed that he was in an accident in Spain and needed money to pay for hospital bills. The victim went to Western Union and wired the suspect the requested amount. The suspect called back for the transaction number, thanked her, and asked her not to tell his parents.
On May 3rd the suspect called back claiming that he had the money, but that he needed additional funds to pay for the vehicle that he had hit. The victim went back to Western Union and transferred the additional funds. The suspect called a 3rd time claiming to need funds for his broken nose. The victim went back to Western Union but, the system was down. As she went to her bank in an attempt to make the transaction her bank teller explained to her that she was being scammed and instructed her to contact 911.
These kinds of scams are becoming more prevalent. They can come in the form of a random phone call like this one or in an email from a friends email account that has been hacked and even from a friends facebook account that has been hacked.
Before sending money to anyone claiming to be in an accident or claiming to be stranded or in need contact that person directly to verify that it is indeed them.
If you have been the victim of a scam please contact 911. Make sure to document any communication and transactions that have been made.
Please share this message with your family and neighbors. As in this situation these scams often focus on our grandparents.
“An educated community is our best partner.” – Sheriff, Jerry L. Clayton
