Hold the Phone:
Can you fall victim to scammers?
In 2021, WPD received at least 19 reports of fraud or scamming, with losses totaling nearly $68,000.
Calls continued over the course of several days. All the while, Jesse preyed on Jane’s emotions about a potentially catastrophic financial loss. With each phone call, he used language that increased Jane’s fear of the hackers and trust in his ability to take care of the situation. He was incrementally building dependency and trust with every phone call, although it quickly turned to threats and demands, says WPD Officer Stacy Pentecost. Pentecost took Jane’s report once the hack was revealed.
“These scammers are professionals,” said WPD Chief Charles Chandler. “Even if you think it could never happen to you, we see every day how they take smart, sophisticated people, catch them off-guard and force them into an emotional state. From there, it’s relatively easy for them to work the situation and gain access to the victim’s money.”
“These scams are multifaceted in that there is a financial consequence that requires attention, and in some cases, their identity has also been compromised. These scams affect the victim’s self-confidence and cause undue strain on relationships,” said Pentecost. “It’s important to understand that this is happening in Westerville.”
In the modern digital age, hackers seek any and all opportunities to turn a phone call into a major payday. In fact, the Westerville Division of Police (WPD) is recognizing a startling trend of scammers pairing modern technology with classic emotional manipulation tactics to steal thousands from residents.
This summer, Jane*, a Westerville resident, found herself on the receiving end of one such unwelcome call that would ultimately cost her about $15,000. The scammer, claiming to be a representative from Amazon’s security division named “Jesse,” told Jane that someone with a nearby mailing address used her account to purchase an iPhone. Jane checked her bank account and saw two unfamiliar transactions. Jesse had Jane download an application that allows users full remote access to mobile devices and computers when the proper authorizations and permissions are granted. Jesse had just enough information about Jane to cause an emotionally fueled response that outpaced her usual thoughtful logic. Jesse had full control of Jane’s device and access to her accounts. Her whole world was at his fingertips.
Soon Jesse started to leave threatening voicemails, and Jane was on the phone with police. See Scam Victim on page 19.
“He ll am c o, I a on b lling e com half of pany X...”
He earned her trust by feigning empathy. He promised he would take care of the situation, but Jane needed to follow a few “rules” that were outright lies: Q Don’t hang up: Jesse had Jane keep the call open from just before 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. while his “team” worked on the problem. Q Don’t discuss the situation with anyone else, not even her husband: Hackers were likely tracking her calls and text messages.
INTERNATIONAL SCAM AWARENESS WEEK NOVEMBER 14-20, 2021
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WPD Officer Stacy Pentecost assisted the victim after she reported the scam and financial loss.
WESTERVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT • (614) 901-6500 • www.wester ville.org
