CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville Police Department is investigating a fraud case that resulted in the victim losing $160,000 and are asking for the public’s help identifying the suspect.

On June 14, the victim was contacted by someone claiming to be from Amazon and saying there was fraudulent activity on her account. According to CPD spokesman Officer Scott Beaubien, she was then transferred by the caller to what she believed to be her bank.

After speaking with her “bank,” she was transferred to someone claiming to be from the Federal Trade Commission. This person told the victim she was under investigation and needed to secure her money.

On Aug. 9, she met a man of Indian descent at the Walmart on 2315 Madison St. and gave him $50,000 in cash, according to Beaubien. She then met this man again on Aug. 16 and gave him another $60,000. The victim also transferred another $50,000 in Bitcoin to the suspect on two occasions. Detectives were able to obtain a photograph of the suspect who, in total, scammed the victim out of $160,000.

CPD is asking anyone who might be able to identify him to call 911 immediately. Anyone with information or additional video footage is asked to contact Detective Alquzqeeni at 931-648-0656, ext. 5366. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, submit a tip online at the Clarksville-Montgomery County Crime Stoppers website or call the Tipline, 931-645-8477.

CPD warns of Caller ID spoofing

“The Clarksville Police Department wants to emphasize the importance of not providing personal information over the phone unless it is a business transaction that you have initiated,” Beaubien said. “If you are confronted by someone on the phone, and they are asking you to pay money, hang up and contact local law enforcement. ”

Scammers use a practice called “Caller ID spoofing,” Beaubien says, which is the practice of falsifying information about an incoming call on the receiver’s caller ID display.

In some instances, the number that appears on the caller ID is the CPD phone number, 931-648-0656, or the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, 931-648-0611. In this case, the scammer also gave the name of an actual person who has worked for or is currently employed with CPD or MCSO.

Common scam tactics and advice

“It is important to reiterate that at no time will anyone from a law enforcement agency request that you make a payment in cash, over the phone, or load money onto a prepaid card (Apple gift card, Green Dot card, etc.) to take care of an outstanding warrant,” Beaubien said. “This is a common tactic used by scammers, and we urge the public to remain cautious and informed.”

The FTC consumer advice website states:

  • Never move or transfer your money to “protect it.” Your money is fine where it is, no matter what they say or how urgently they say it.
  • Worried? Call your real bank, broker, or investment advisor.
  • Use the number you find on your account statements. Don’t use the number the caller gives you. That’ll take you to the scammer.

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