Scams are getting smarter every day, and sometimes it’s only a quick-thinking person that saves the day. That’s exactly what happened at a Chase Bank in Westlake, where a sharp bank manager helped stop a couple from losing all their money to scammers.
The Couple Was Fooled by a Fake Warrant
A couple was tricked into thinking they owed money because of a fake warrant supposedly issued by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office. Believing it was real, they rushed to their bank to withdraw a large amount of cash. The scammers had told them to either buy gift cards or use a cryptocurrency ATM to send the money. These are both very common warning signs in many scam cases.
Bank Manager Noticed the Red Flags
Luckily, the bank manager noticed that something wasn’t right. Instead of processing the transaction, they quickly alerted the Westlake Police Department. Thanks to this action, the couple realised they were about to get scammed and stopped just in time.
Captain Jerry Vogel from the police said the couple figured out they were being tricked once they understood why they were being asked to buy gift cards or use a crypto ATM. These tricks are often used by scammers because once money is sent this way, it becomes nearly impossible to trace or get back.
Others Weren’t So Lucky
Sadly, not everyone in Westlake has been this lucky. Police shared two other recent scam stories that ended in big losses.
In one case, a woman searched online for Microsoft customer support and found a fake phone number. This scammer had used a trick called “search engine poisoning,” which means they made a fake number appear higher in search results.
The scammer told the woman she had visited illegal websites and that her money was at risk. Scared, she gave the scammer control of her computer.
He told her to withdraw $40,000 and put it into a Bitcoin ATM to “protect” her funds. Even though a store worker tried to help, she had already lost $20,000 by the time she realised it was a scam.
In another case, a man got a call from someone pretending to be from the Social Security Department. The scammer convinced him to deposit $5,500 into a Bitcoin ATM at a nearby store. After this, the store owner said they would remove the ATM to stop future scams from happening there.
Be Careful and Watch Out for These Red Flags
Captain Vogel warns people to be extra careful if anyone asks them to buy gift cards or deposit money into cryptocurrency machines. These are major red flags that a scam might be happening.
Police also advised everyone to always double-check before responding to such calls or messages. If something feels wrong or urgent, stop and talk to someone you trust before taking any action.
Scams like these are becoming more common and smarter. But by staying alert, asking questions, and being aware of the signs—like being told to use gift cards or crypto ATMs—you can protect yourself and your money.
It’s always better to pause and check rather than rush and regret. If you’re unsure, contact the police or your bank for help. Being careful can make all the difference.