GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Investigators with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office are warning residents about scammers posing as federal investigators in an effort to steal large sums of money.
Property crimes investigators with the Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) have received two reports in the past week involving suspects impersonating FBI agents and FDIC officials, according to Hall County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer BJ Williams.
In both cases, residents received messages containing links they believed were connected to their banks. After clicking the bogus link, the victims received a phone call from someone claiming to be investigating bank fraud. The caller told the victims they needed help tracking down bank tellers allegedly involved in illegal activity.
SIU SSgt. Scott Buffington said the scammers are well-versed in banking practices, making the scheme appear legitimate.
“Once they click on that link, the scammer has access to the victim’s phone or computer. If the victim has online banking, then the scammer often is successful in getting account numbers and convincing the victim to withdraw money and send it to the criminals,” Buffington said.
In one case reported last week, a victim lost more than $50,000. In another, a victim attempted to withdraw $30,000, but the bank recognized the suspected fraud and prevented the transaction.
Because both cases remain under investigation, authorities are not releasing additional details, Williams said.
Investigators urge residents to avoid clicking on suspicious links on computers, tablets or phones and to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. Officials also advise residents to report suspected fraudulent activity to their bank and to contact law enforcement if they believe they have been victimized.
Residents can call Hall County Dispatch at 770-536-8812 to speak with a deputy or investigator. In an emergency, call 911.
