A police officer from White Settlement, Texas, recently thwarted a scam involving a Chase Bank impersonator who tricked an elderly woman into withdrawing $40,000 and depositing it into a Bitcoin ATM machine. The incident occurred on June 19, as reported by the White Settlement Police Department (WSPD).
Intervention and Rescue
The scam was uncovered when a concerned citizen noticed an elderly woman depositing large amounts of cash into a Bitcoin ATM and called the WSPD dispatch center. Suspecting that the woman was being scammed, the citizen overheard her phone conversation, which raised alarm.
The Scam Unveiled
The WSPD reported that the scammer, posing as a Chase Bank employee, threatened the victim with arrest if she did not transfer the funds. This tactic, known as “pig butchering,” often involves creating a sense of urgency and fear. The caller ID displayed “Chase Bank,” convincing the woman that she was speaking with a legitimate bank employee.
The scammer arranged for a ride service to take the woman to a local Chase Bank to withdraw the money. Subsequently, the suspect directed her to a convenience store with a Bitcoin ATM to deposit the funds.
Police Officer’s Timely Action
In dashcam footage released by the WSPD, an officer arrived at the scene and took over the conversation from the victim. Despite the scammer’s attempts to persuade the victim to complete the transaction, the officer successfully intervened, preventing further loss.
While the police managed to stop any additional deposits, the woman had already deposited $23,900 into the Bitcoin ATM. Authorities are now collaborating with government officials to recover the funds and return them to the victim.
Emotional Response and Community Effort
Sergeant James Stewart, the responding officer, expressed empathy for the victim, stating, “All I could do is visualize my mom in this case. I wish we could find this guy and place him behind bars for a very long time because he is probably doing this to other people.”
Chief of Police Christopher Cook extended gratitude to the vigilant citizen who reported the incident. The WSPD plans to honor the citizen at an upcoming council meeting for their crucial role in preventing further loss.
This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and swift police action in combating scams. It also underscores the need for increased awareness about sophisticated scams targeting vulnerable individuals.
