An 88-year-old Sioux Falls man lost $40,000 after a computer warning turned into a bank-hacking scare, according to local police.
Dakota News Now reported that Sioux Falls police are investigating the case, which began when the victim saw a message on his computer claiming there was a security issue.
The victim was later contacted and told there was a problem with his bank account and that the account had been hacked, police said.
He was then instructed to withdraw $20,000 on two separate occasions and was told where to take the cash. Police said the events happened near the end of May.
The Computer Warning Became A Bank Account Scare
The warning on the victim’s computer appears to follow a common tech-support scam pattern: a pop-up or message claims something is wrong, then the victim is moved into a phone conversation with someone pretending to help.
In the Sioux Falls case, police said the story shifted from a computer security issue to a bank account problem. The victim was told his account had been hacked, then was directed to remove cash from the bank.
KELO.com reported that Sioux Falls Police Information Officer Aaron Benson said the victim received instructions to withdraw $20,000 twice. After withdrawing the money, the victim was told where to take the cash.
No arrests had been reported, and police said the investigation is continuing.
The Scam Turned A Withdrawal Into “Protection”
The scammers did not need the victim to buy gift cards or click another link. Police said they convinced him that his own bank account was unsafe.
Once a victim believes money is already at risk, a scammer can make a withdrawal sound like protection instead of theft.
The Federal Trade Commission says it will never tell people to transfer money to “protect it” or tell them to withdraw cash or buy gold and give it to someone. A real bank or government agency should not direct a customer to move cash under pressure from a stranger on the phone.
Two Withdrawals Made The Loss Reach $40,000
Police said the victim withdrew $20,000 on two separate occasions. That gave the scammers time to keep the pressure going after the first withdrawal and push him toward a second one.
The FBI describes tech-support scams as schemes in which criminals pose as support or security representatives and claim they can fix non-existent problems. The agency warns people not to give unexpected callers remote access to a computer or account because scammers can steal personal information or money once they get access.
Anyone who sees a computer warning should avoid calling the number on the screen. Instead, close the browser, restart the device if needed, and contact the bank or computer company through a number found independently.
Victims Should Call The Bank Before Money Moves Again
Anyone who has already withdrawn cash, wired money, installed software, or shared account information after a computer warning should contact their bank immediately.
The FBI advises victims of tech-support scams to change passwords, protect their identity, run updated virus-scan software, and consider having the device checked if a scammer may have gained access.
Fraud reports can also be filed with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov and with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sioux Falls police said the 88-year-old victim’s case remains under investigation. The warning for other families is direct: a pop-up that says a bank account has been hacked should never lead to cash withdrawals directed by a stranger on the phone.