Salina Woman Loses $9,900 in Sophisticated PayPal Scam

A 72-year-old Salina woman reported being defrauded out of $9,900 after responding to a fraudulent email claiming to be from PayPal. The email stated she had made $399.99 in Bitcoin purchases on October 29 and instructed her to call a number if she did not authorize the transaction.

After calling, the victim spoke with a man who requested remote access to her computer. Believing the purchase needed to be corrected, she granted access. The suspect then claimed she had been hacked and that he would fix the issue. Shortly afterward, the victim received another email indicating the $399.99 was being refunded, but $40,000 had been “accidentally” deposited into her bank account. When she checked her account, she saw a $40,000 transfer, which investigators later determined was manipulated by the suspect moving her own funds internally.

The suspect instructed her to return the money and requested a “good faith” payment of $20,000, then $9,900 when she refused the larger amount. He had her download WhatsApp and a Bitcoin app, and requested personal information including her driver’s license and Social Security number.

He then directed the victim to Snak Attack, 1619 W. Magnolia, where she deposited $9,900 into a Bitcoin machine while he remained on the phone. The suspect was described as having a foreign accent.

Total loss was reported at $9,900.

The Salina Police Department urges residents not to allow unknown individuals remote access to their computers or to share personal information. Suspicious emails should not be replied to or called back. Anyone with concerns should contact their local police department or their financial institution directly.