DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Source: Delray Beach Police Department Advisory — Delray Beach police are investigating five cases in which criminals are attempting to scam people over the telephone. Two victims, and three potential victims, are between the ages of 18 and 90 years old. Several people told detectives they received a call from what appeared to be the Delray Beach police department.
During some of the calls, the caller told the victims they have a warrant for their arrest, and they need to “clear it up” by sending cash through a bitcoin machine. Last month, one victim deposited $2900 dollars into a bitcoin machine (more info on June 8-th FB post). Another victim deposited $1100 dollars into a bitcoin machine. The money has not been recovered. An elderly woman told detectives she received a call from someone claiming to be from the Social Security office and there was a warrant for her arrest. The caller told her she needed to buy $7500 dollars in gift cards, then provide the card numbers to him over the phone. The victim withdrew money from her bank, but her son convinced her it was a scam before she bought the gift cards.
Another woman told detectives she received a call from someone claiming to be a police officer and they were investigating a fraud incident in Texas. The caller asked for confirmation of the woman’s full name and last 4 digits of her social security number. Once he received the information, the caller hung up. The victims say the caller has a middle eastern accent. Some of the calls have been “spoofed” to make it appear they are originating from the police department.
Delray Beach police want to remind citizens that you can never “buy your way” out of a warrant. Police will never try to collect money for gift cards. Always confirm who you are talking to, and if needed, hang up and call the police department to reach the person. Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to contact Detective Turner at 561-243-7871.
