Scammers Drain $76,000 From Truist Bank Customer, Convincing Victim To Withdraw Piles of Cash in Person

Authorities in Chatham County, Georgia say they’re investigating a bank fraud scheme after a woman reported losing more than $76,000 to scammers.

The Chatham County Police Department says the victim received a phone call from someone she did not know on February 6th. The caller said her bank account was compromised and that she needed to immediately withdraw the money.

The victim took action on the advice. She withdrew $32,500 from a Truist Bank branch on Wilmington Island and then handed the money to someone she had never met before in the parking lot. 

She then proceeded to another Truist Bank branch on E. DeRenne Avenue, withdrew $34,000 and again gave the cash to another stranger. She also went to the Truist Bank branch on Mall Boulevard, withdrew $10,000 and, for the third time, gave the money to a person she did not know.

The three withdrawals bring the victim’s total loss to $76,500.

The police says that it receives reports almost weekly of people who lost significant amounts of money to fraud schemes that began with a phone call. 

“We cannot stress enough the importance of not giving out personal information, banking information, or handing over cash, gold, gift cards, or Bitcoin to someone you do not know who has suddenly called you and demanded action.

Do not act or give any information until you have independently verified the claims. Do not give in to pressure, threats, or coercion. If you have been scammed, please report it to police and your financial institution.”

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