An elderly couple in Hickman has lost a quarter of a million dollars after falling victim to an elaborate, months long scam.
Lancaster County Sheriffs Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said the case began in August when the couple, both over 80-years-old, received a fraudulent email reporting that an Amazon package was delivered to the wrong address. The scammers, impersonating officers with the FBI, told the couple their account was compromised and they owed $200,000. The couple was told they could avoid being charged interest if they made immediate payments.
“Sadly, they did,” said Houchin.
The scammers also told the couple to avoid contacting the Hickman Bank, because “a mole” was planted there.
In August, the couple began sending money to the scammers via Bitcoin, Western Union money transfers, and Apple Gift Cards. Later, the scammers were granted access to the couple computer, which was used to steal personal banking information and the remaining $50,000.
Houchin said the couple’s last transaction was Oct. 29 via Bitcoin, but LSO was not notified until Dec. 17.
“There is absolutely no way we’re going to be able to get any of the money back,” said Houchin. “It’s very hard for law enforcement to get money back in these cases, but it is impossible if you wait that many months to tell us.”
As a reminder, Houchin said no legitimate businesses or law enforcement agency will ever ask residents to use a cryptocurrency.