Bellefontaine police are investigating a scam complaint after a Bellefontaine man reported losing $47,000 to a phone scam earlier this week.
According to a police report, the victim told officers he received a phone call from someone claiming to represent Honda Federal Credit Union.
The caller reportedly warned the victim of a supposed gambling scam originating from the United Kingdom and claimed the victim’s bank account was being hacked. Police say the caller convinced the victim that the only way to protect his money was to wire it to another bank account.
Believing the call was legitimate, the victim wired $47,000 to what was later determined to be a fraudulent account.
The incident was classified as a scam complaint and has since been closed, according to the report.
Police are reminding residents to remain cautious of unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from banks or financial institutions. Authorities advise never wiring money or providing financial information based solely on a phone call and to independently verify any claims by contacting financial institutions using known, trusted phone numbers.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a scam is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
