SUN CITY – 76-year-old Sun City resident Bonnie Archer never expected an average trip to Walmart would result in such an unforgiving nightmare.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, Archer received a call from an unsuspecting Seattle number.
The unknown caller claimed to be Archer’s nephew in need of $5,000 for his release from jail. An additional caller claiming to be the nephew’s attorney followed shortly after with instructions to Archer on how to send the money.
Not doubting a familiar sounding voice, Archer did not hesitate in texting pictures of her license to the suspects to finalize the transfer.
“Knowing it was a family member tugged at my heart strings. They kept me hyped to finish the transaction by telling me my nephew is so proud of me,” Archer said.
Huntley police were called later that night to investigate the incident after a phone call to Archer’s nephew, Gary, had confirmed that he had been at home, safe the whole time.
Police were able to collect eight phone numbers that were used in the scam to contact Archer a total of 25 times. The incident is still currently under investigation. Archer has not been able to recuperate any of her stolen funds.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warns callers to use caution when being asked about disclosing personal information over the phone from any unknown incoming call.
Had it not been for the fact that she was in the car when the call came in, Archer said she would not have answered.
As a final word of caution to anyone else who may find themselves in a similar situation, Archer says, “If you hear that voice that sounds familiar, like a relative, check it out first.”
