Nashville police say a slick new phone scam is making the rounds, and it ends with victims pulling big wads of cash from their bank accounts and handing the money to a stranger in a car. The Metro Nashville Police Department stamped its warning as a “SCAM ALERT” and says the scheme is hitting residents across the area. Officers emphasize that real bank fraud investigators do not ask customers to withdraw cash or turn it over in person to anyone.
Police Post Lays Out The Con
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the Metro Nashville Police Department described how callers pose as bank staff and claim there has been a fraudulent charge, a compromised account, or stolen money. The scammer then instructs the victim to withdraw cash and meet a driver or courier to hand it over, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department.
The department says anyone with tips or questions should reach out to its Fraud Unit. The MNPD lists 615-862-8600 as the Fraud Unit number on its official site, per the Metro Nashville Police Department.
Why Experts Say Never Move Your Money For A Caller
The core pitch that your money must be moved to keep it “safe” is a classic hallmark of imposter scams, federal consumer officials say. The Federal Trade Commission advises, “Never move your money to ‘protect it.’ That’s a scam,” and urges people to hang up, call the institution using a trusted number, and report the contact, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
How A Real-Life Cash Pickup Played Out
Similar schemes have already surfaced elsewhere, often using rideshare drivers or couriers as the pickup crew. In December, Sarasota police detailed a case in which a caller told a 73-year-old woman to withdraw $18,500 and hand it to an “FDIC representative” who was, in reality, a rideshare driver. Officers located the driver and recovered the funds, according to the Sarasota Police Department.
What To Do If Your “Bank” Calls
If you get an unsolicited call claiming to be from your bank, police, or consumer watchdogs, say to hang up immediately. Then, call your bank using the number on your statement or the back of your card, not any number the caller gives you…