Victim Sends $3,900 To Scammer Claiming To Protect Bank Account

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a telephone scam that cost a Cleveland-area woman $3,900 after a caller falsely claimed to be working for the State Employees’ Credit Union fraud department.

The 28-year-old victim reported receiving a phone call on May 24 from an individual who claimed there had been fraudulent activity on her SECU account. The victim is an SECU customer.

The caller told the woman that to safeguard her money she needed to transfer funds through CashApp. Believing she was protecting her account, the victim transferred $2,500 as instructed. The scammer then convinced her to send an additional $1,400.

After completing both transactions, the woman became suspicious and realized she may have been the victim of a scam. She subsequently contacted law enforcement.

The incident remains under investigation.

Authorities say bank and credit union impersonation scams have become increasingly common across North Carolina and the United States. Criminals frequently use caller ID spoofing technology to make incoming calls appear as though they are coming from a legitimate financial institution.

Scammers often claim there is suspicious activity on an account and create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly before they have time to verify the information.

Law enforcement officials stress that legitimate banks, credit unions and fraud departments do not ask customers to transfer money to protect their accounts.

Residents are encouraged to follow several safety precautions:

• Hang up immediately if someone calls requesting that money be transferred to protect an account.

• Never send money through CashApp, Venmo, Zelle, cryptocurrency or gift cards in response to an unsolicited phone call.

• Do not trust caller ID alone. Scammers can make a phone number appear legitimate.

• Contact your bank or credit union directly using the phone number printed on the back of your debit or credit card or listed on the institution’s official website.

• Never provide account numbers, online banking credentials, security codes or one-time verification codes to someone who calls unexpectedly.

• Be cautious of callers who create urgency or claim immediate action is required.

Authorities say victims who believe they have been targeted should immediately contact their financial institution to report the fraud and attempt to stop or reverse any transactions. Victims should also report the incident to local law enforcement and monitor their accounts for unauthorized activity.