Scammer told woman to withdraw $25,000 from credit union account, Centralia cops say
A woman was convinced Monday to withdraw $25,000 from an account and deposit the money in a “Bitcoin machine,” according to Centralia police.
It was not immediately clear what a “Bitcoin machine” is, although it’s most likely a Bitcoin ATM, or automated teller machine.
The woman was contacted via email and phone by at least one person pretending to be a TwinStar Credit Union employee, according to police.
“The suspect was able to convince the victim to withdraw $25,000 from her bank account and later deposit the money in a Bitcoin machine at a local business,” police announced in a news release.
However, police were able to obtain a search warrant and recover the funds.
“The money was subsequently placed into evidence as the case is still under investigation,” they say.
Centralia police urged residents to do the following:
▪ Always verify the validity of the person or company trying to get funds from you.
▪ Ask for phone numbers, or request to speak to a manager, or contact the company the person alleges they work for before sending any money.
▪ No legitimate business or government agency will ever ask you to convert your money into Bitcoin or ask you to purchase gift cards for them.
This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 12:40 PM.
