A senior citizen in California fell victim to a heartbreaking scam that cost him $25,000. The scammers used AI technology to mimic his son’s voice, tricking him into believing that his loved one was in a serious accident and needed bail money.
The man, known only as Anthony, received a call from someone posing as his son, who claimed to have been involved in a car accident with a pregnant woman. The caller said the woman was rushed to the ICU, playing on Anthony’s emotions and sense of urgency.
Believing it was his son on the other end of the line, Anthony was devastated and desperate to help. Shortly after the initial call, another person claiming to be his son’s lawyer, Michael Roberts, contacted him, demanding $9,200 for bail to release his son from jail.
Despite his suspicions, Anthony tried to verify the situation by calling his son, only to reach voicemail. He then went to the bank to withdraw the money under the guise of needing it for solar panel installation to avoid raising suspicions.
After handing the money to an Uber driver sent by the scammers, Anthony’s daughter called the lawyer again, who requested an additional $15,800 to $25,000 for bail. Without hesitation, Anthony went back to the bank and withdrew more money, falling deeper into the scam.
Surveillance footage captured the exchange of money with another Uber driver, but the calls did not stop there. A man claiming to be another lawyer, Mark Cohen, contacted Anthony, saying the pregnant woman had died, and the bail had been raised.
In a panic, Anthony withdrew more money and handed it over to a third Uber driver, hoping to secure his son’s release. It was only after his daughter researched the situation online that they realized they had been scammed out of $25,000.
Feeling foolish and deceived, Anthony shared his story to raise awareness about the dangers of phone scams. Los Angeles Police Department detective Chelsea Saeger emphasized that scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, using AI technology to clone voices and craft convincing stories.
Saeger warned against sending money to unknown individuals, especially if they claim to be from government agencies or financial institutions. She also cautioned against depositing money into crypto ATMs or transferring funds into crypto accounts, as these are common tactics used by scammers.
Authorities are investigating the incident, but Saeger stressed the importance of vigilance and skepticism when receiving unexpected calls requesting money. Phone scams continue to evolve, and it is crucial to stay informed and cautious to avoid falling victim to these deceptive schemes.
