A sophisticated scam targeting victims through fake emails and phone calls resulted in a $30,000 loss. The criminals cleverly impersonated both JPMorgan Chase and PayPal to trick their victims.
How the Scam Worked
Victims received emails seemingly from PayPal, warning them about a large, unauthorized Bitcoin purchase. When they called the number in the email, they were connected to someone claiming to be from Chase’s fraud department. These scammers threatened arrest for money laundering.
The victims were then transferred to a fake FBI agent who instructed them to withdraw large sums of cash – $18,000 from one victim and $12,000 from another – and hand it over to a person who would visit their homes in Florida.
The Arrest
The scam was uncovered when one victim, contacted a second time to hand over an even larger sum ($60,000), realized she was being scammed. Authorities worked with her to arrest the suspect, identified as Wilkens Eugene.
A Warning to Be Aware
This incident serves as a reminder to be cautious of unsolicited emails and phone calls claiming to be from financial institutions. Never give out personal information or transfer money based on such communications. Always verify the legitimacy of any request directly through official channels.
