Salina Resident Avoids Sophisticated Impersonation Scam
A Salina man avoided losing money after recognizing the warning signs of an elaborate scam involving individuals posing as company representatives and government officials.
According to the Salina Police Department, a 60-year-old Salina resident reported an attempted scam on June 23, 2026.
The victim told officers he was contacted by a person claiming to be an Amazon representative who wanted to verify the purchase of a phone. The caller allegedly informed him that three Amazon accounts and five credit cards had been opened in his name and claimed his personal information had been compromised.
The caller then transferred the victim to another individual who identified himself as a “trade commission officer.” The suspect reportedly sent the victim a photograph of an identification card and claimed to be working with the FBI on an investigation involving bank employees who were allegedly selling customers’ personal information.
According to the report, the suspect instructed the victim to withdraw money from his bank account and send the funds through the mail. The suspect also requested fingerprints and serial numbers from currency in order to “certify” the funds. Investigators said the suspect further instructed the victim to remain on the phone while obtaining the money from the bank.
The victim became suspicious and did not withdraw or send any funds.
He later contacted the U.S. Secret Service office in Wichita, which confirmed the scheme was fraudulent.
The Salina Police Department is reminding residents that legitimate businesses, government agencies, and law enforcement organizations will never instruct individuals to withdraw money from a bank and send it through the mail. Authorities also warn that requests to remain on the phone while withdrawing funds are a common indicator of a scam.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call involving claims of compromised accounts, identity theft, or demands for money should independently verify the information by contacting the company or agency through official channels before taking any action.