$40,000 SCAM OF A VERDE RESIDENT CONFIRMS NEED FOR ALL TO BE VIGILANT

Published on March 31, 2025

A Verde Valley resident has reported he lost close to $40,000 in a text scam that claimed to include the FBI and the US Dept of Justice (DOJ) and an investigation of a major banking institution. Once again, according to YCSO Fraud Investigators, it points to the need for all residents to be educated on how these criminals operate and how to protect yourself against becoming the next person who loses money to these con artists.

The victim in the latest case told YCSO investigators he recently received a text message asking him if he had made a $1,600 purchase at a large retailer. When he replied with "No", he got a second text with a phone number link to contact. When he clicked on it, he was connected with someone claiming to be with DOJ, and they were investigating his bank for money laundering and identity theft and needed the victim's help as a witness. The phony FBI agent told the victim that the government had put $40,000 into his checking account, and asked him to withdraw it, but lie to bank employees about the reason. When he visited his bank branch, he claimed the money was for construction on his home.

He then followed the agent's instructions to deposit the money in a special account the feds set up at a different bank, using an ATM to avoid suspicion. Only later did the victim find out that the $40,000 was his own money, having actually been transferred somehow by the scammers from the man's home equity account to his checking account. It appears he was unable to access his online banking information for a time and wasn't able to see the transfer. Bank officials are still investigating whether the money can be recovered.

YCSO continually warns residents about scam calls, texts, or emails that pretend to be from law enforcement or bank security officers, telling victims their account has been compromised, and they must transfer the money right away. If you get such a contact, no matter who they claim to be, just end it immediately, and contact your bank in person to verify the condition of your account. And know that law enforcement agencies will never call you and ask you to participate in an investigation of any kind, nor will they ask you to take money out of your financial institution.

Our Fraud Unit has a public presentation on how to protect yourself against becoming the victim of a scam or fraud. It's free and it can be scheduled by any civic or community or other group by calling (928) 771-3299.