BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A concerning scam has emerged in Bexar County. A woman was tricked into believing her son was in serious legal trouble by someone posing as an attorney.
The scam started with a phone call. A man claimed to be part of a pretrial incarceration program and said the woman’s son had been arrested after a car crash. He added that the other driver, pregnant and a retired federal employee, was in critical condition, and that her son’s bond was an eye-watering $180,000.
Feeling desperate, the woman followed the scammer’s instructions and deposited $18,000 into a Bitcoin ATM to help her son. The scammer then called back, claiming that the pregnant woman had miscarried and demanded another $18,000. Again, the woman complied. A few days later, the scammer called once more, asking for an additional $20,000 to dismiss the case.
Fortunately, when she tried to withdraw the funds, a bank teller recognized the signs of a scam and advised her to check on her son. Shockingly, she found out he was at home, completely safe.
Scams like this are becoming more common. According to a recent report by the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost over $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022. More than ever, it’s crucial to stay informed and cautious.
Here are some tips from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office to protect yourself:
– Law enforcement will never ask for payment via Bitcoin or gift cards.
– If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately.
– Always verify claims with your family or friends before taking any action.
– Report scams to local law enforcement.
Awareness is the first step in preventing such scams. Stay alert and share this information with others to help protect your community. If you’re interested in more about fraud awareness, consider reaching out to the Bexar Sheriff’s Office at SCORE@bexar.org.
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