Salina Resident Loses $850 in FTC Impersonation Scam
A Salina resident reported being the victim of a scam after receiving a text message claiming to be from the Federal Trade Commission.
According to the report, the victim contacted a phone number provided in the message after being told their bank account had been "hacked." The suspect claimed hackers had gained access to the victim's account and would steal all of the money unless immediate action was taken.
The victim was instructed to withdraw as much money as possible from their bank account and purchase a Green Dot card from Walmart so the funds could be transferred into what the caller described as an "unhackable" account. The victim withdrew $850, purchased the card, and provided the card number to the suspect.
The caller also requested the victim's debit card information and PIN, claiming the government needed the information to track purchases and recover stolen funds.
The Salina Police Department is reminding residents that government agencies will never request payment through gift cards or ask individuals to transfer money to protect funds from hackers. Police advise anyone receiving similar calls or messages to end communication immediately and contact a trusted family member, financial institution, or law enforcement agency before taking any action.
