An elderly Smithfield man lost $4,200 in a telephone scam last week.
The victim said he received a phone call from a person claiming to be his nephew. His nephew is in the military and currently stationed in California. The scammer, who had some knowledge about his nephew living out of state, claimed he had been arrested for drunk driving and needed $4,200 to post bail.
The victim said he received a second phone call a few minutes later from an individual claiming to be his nephew’s “public defender.” They provided information on how to send the bail money, which they requested immediately.
After sending the money the victim became suspicious. He found out his nephew had not been arrested and that he had been scammed.
He reported the incident to law enforcement. Authorities are investigating the case.
