Better safe than sorry

The Aledo Police Department is investigating a financial scam that occurred Aug. 11 and is asking the community for help identifying a potential suspect. 

An elderly Aledo resident was contacted by an individual claiming to be a fraud investigator with her bank, Juan Saucedo, Aledo PD Public Information officer, said. “She was then connected with another individual claiming to be a federal law enforcement agent.”

The scammers used photographs of fraudulent government identification to strengthen their legitimacy, he said. 

Ultimately, the scammers convinced the victim to withdraw money from her accounts so an individual could physically pick up the money from her to “be ‘tested’ as part of their investigation,” Saucedo said. 

Due to the incident, the victim is facing a financial and emotional impact. She is “understandably shaken by what happened … feels badly about having fallen for the scam and has expressed continued concern that something similar could happen again,” Saucedo said.

To avoid similar incident, it is important to watch for tactics like the use of authority, urgency, or isolation; impersonation of banks, law enforcement agencies, or government officials; and discouragement of contacting banks, law enforcement, family members, or anyone who could question validity, Saucedo said.

Aledo PD also reminds individuals: 

• Do not withdraw cash, transfer money, purchase gift cards, or hand money to another person based solely on an unexpected phone call.
• Do not trust caller ID alone. Phone numbers and caller information can be manipulated to appear legitimate.
• If someone claims to be calling from your bank, hang up and contact your bank directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.
• If someone claims to be a law enforcement officer or government agent, independently contact that agency to verify the information.
• Be especially cautious if someone tells you to act immediately, keep the situation secret, or avoid speaking with your family, bank, or local law enforcement.
• Never provide passwords, PINs, account login information, or one-time security codes to an unsolicited caller.”

Aledo PD is also encouraging the community to have conversations with elderly or more vulnerable family members on what signs to watch for and steps to take if/when receiving a similar call to prevent future scams. 

Photos have been released to the public of a suspect in the investigation. The man pictured is the one who allegedly met with the victim and collected the money.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or the identity of the individual pictured can contact the Aledo Police Department at AledoPD@AledoTX.gov.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Parker County Crime Stoppers by calling 817-599-5555 or online at www.pccs.tips.