Police are advising the community to communicate with their elderly family members and neighbors about fraudulent schemes, as they are frequently the primary targets.

In Westlake, following an incident where a convenience store proprietor helped prevent a suspected cryptocurrency scam involving an elderly individual, law enforcement is offering guidance on recognizing warning signs to prevent falling victim to scams.

On Thursday, April 4, Westlake police were alerted when the store owner noticed an elderly man depositing significant sums of cash into a cryptocurrency ATM while receiving instructions over the phone. Recognizing these actions as indicative of a scam, WPD detectives intervened promptly to halt the transaction before the funds could be transferred to the scammers.

The targeted individual had encountered a pop-up on his home computer falsely claiming a security breach, leading the scammers to coerce him into transferring money by falsely alleging involvement in illegal activities.

To raise awareness, the WPD emphasizes the importance of educating older individuals on identifying scams, underscoring that seniors are frequently the victims of such deceitful practices.

It is crucial not to contact numbers provided in unexpected pop-ups, emails, texts, or calls. Additionally, individuals should be wary of instructions to purchase gift cards for settling debts, warrants, or technical support, as well as any requests to stay on the phone while conducting financial transactions, as these are clear indicators of fraudulent activities.

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