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According to Darien Police, an unsuspecting resident who was not aware that these type of scams occurs in the area every day received a call from an unknown number and the caller informed her that her husband had been in a car accident.
The caller told the victim that the accident also involved her “brother” who is a wanted felon so the police could not be called. The caller then demanded that the victim stay on the phone and send money immediately or her husband would be killed, police said.
The victim began to follow the caller’s instructions and was en-route to a bank when she was able to flag down two Darien Police Officers. With the caller still on the phone, the officers immediately recognized that the details provided sounded identical to scams that have targeted the area in the past.
With officers on the line, the caller eventually instructed the victim to go to a nearby Walmart and send an electronic funds transfer. Over the next several minutes, officers were able to determine the husband’s location and with the assistance of another law enforcement agency, physically met with him and confirmed that he was safe. The victim then terminated the phone call and did not sustain any financial loss, police said.
There are many variations of this type of phone scam and unfortunately, it is often successful because it preys on a person’s fear of a loved one being harmed. Although the victims are relieved when they learn that their loved one is safe, their money will likely never be recovered, police said.
Darien police suggest residents review tips for avoiding scams at www.darienpolice.org.
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