Officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department are warning local residents after a recent scam resulted in a Bellefontaine man losing approximately $47,000.
At approximately 12:29 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, officers received a reported scam complaint in the lobby of the police department.
According to police, the victim, who is in his early 70s, reported receiving a phone call from an individual claiming to be affiliated with Honda Federal Credit Union. The caller told the victim he was involved in a gambling-related scam allegedly originating in the United Kingdom and claimed the victim’s bank account had been compromised.
Police said the caller advised the victim that the only way to protect his funds was to immediately wire money to another bank account. Believing the request to be legitimate, the victim wired funds to the account provided.
Later that evening, after discussing the situation with his spouse, the victim realized the call was likely fraudulent. He then contacted Honda Federal Credit Union to report the incident and seek assistance.
No arrests have been made at this time.
Police remind residents that banks and credit unions will never request wire transfers, money transfers, or gift card purchases over the phone.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by a scam is encouraged to contact their financial institution and local law enforcement immediately.
