A Hilton Head man lost $25,000 in a sophisticated scam after receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be a fraud investigator with Navy Federal Credit Union.
According to investigators, the victim received the call from a man posing as a Navy Federal fraud agent, claimed someone was attempting to authorize a $25,000 wire transfer from the victim’s joint account with their spouse.
The call originated from the telephone number (656) 226-4682. Authorities traced the number to an internet-based phone service provider, meaning the call could have come from anywhere in the world.
The caller claimed the attempted transfer was part of a larger internal investigation involving a Navy Federal branch manager suspected of fraud. The victim was asked to assist the so-called fraud department in catching the employee under investigation.
Trusting the caller, the victim agreed.
The scammer instructed the victim to withdraw $25,000 in cash and divide it into three bundles—two containing $10,000 and one containing $5,000. The money was to be placed in an envelope or shoebox and handed off to an “Uber” driver who would arrive later that evening.
The victim remained on the phone with the caller for nearly eight hours, until a man arrived at the residence.
The individual was described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing about 150 pounds, driving a dark-colored, four-door Mercedes E-Class sedan. The victim handed over the cash, which was sealed inside a shoebox, and has not seen the money since.
Authorities urge the public to be cautious of similar schemes. Law enforcement and financial institutions will never ask individuals to withdraw cash or turn it over to ride-share drivers as part of an investigation.
The case remains under investigation.
