Written by: E. George
Published April 3, 2024 @ 3:30 PM ET
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. – On March 23, 2024, a Columbia County Sheriff’s deputy interviewed a Martinez woman regarding a larceny-theft by deception in which she was scammed out of $8,000. The victim explained that the theft began with an email on March 21 stating her Norton protection subscription would auto-debit her account for $245.36.
She dialed the telephone number listed in the email and spoke with “David,” who instructed her to download several apps onto her cell phone so he could “better assist” her. One of the apps was AnyDesk, which allowed “David” access to her phone.
“David” told her he accidentally deposited $8,000 into her checking account, and she would need to withdraw the money from her bank and purchase $8,000 in Bitcoin to return the funds. She followed his instructions.
After he received the money, he continued to request more. He directed her to purchase two $500 Apple gift cards and contact him with the card numbers.
While she was purchasing the gift cards, the Walmart cashier advised her that she was being scammed. She immediately traveled to her bank, closed her accounts and credit cards, and contacted the sheriff’s office.
Copies of her bank statements and all correspondence from “David” were submitted as evidence in this active investigation.
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
[REDACTED] stated on 03/21/2024 at 1331hrs she received an email stating her Norton Protection Subscription would auto debt her account for $245.36. [REDACTED] stated she contacted the phone number on the email, and the subject on the phone stated his name was David and he could assist her with the issues.
[REDACTED] stated David had her download several apps onto her phone so he could better assist her. One of the apps was Any Desk which gave David access to her phone.
[REDACTED] stated David told her he accidentally Deposited $8000.00 into her checking account, she would have to go to the bank a withdraw the money, and purchase $8000.00 in Bit Coin to return the money. [REDACTED] did what he asked.
[REDACTED] stated after he received the money, he still continued to asked for more. David told [REDACTED] to purchase two $500 Apple Gift Cards and to contact him with the card numbers.
[REDACTED] stated while she was purchasing the gift cards the cashier at Walmart told her she was being scammed. [REDACTED] stated that`s when she went to her bank (Wells Fargo) and closed her personal, business checking accounts and canceled all her credit cards immediately.
Then she contacted the Sheriff`s Office. Copies of [REDACTED] bank statements and all correspondence were uploaded to the evidence drive.