GARLAND, TX – In a startling case of deception, an elderly couple in Garland found themselves swindled out of $25,000 by a woman posing as an FBI agent. Authorities report that this scam diverges from typical online cons, as the suspect met the victims face-to-face.
Earlier this month, the couple withdrew their savings from a local bank, only to hand it over in a remote parking lot. The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Jessica Bough from Frisco, allegedly convinced the pair that she was an FBI agent working with the bank.
Police were alerted to the scam on August 6, when the couple contacted them from the Chase Bank on Broadway Boulevard. The victims, an 80-year-old man and a 77-year-old woman, were understandably shaken by the encounter.
Investigators quickly honed in on Bough, noting the audacity of meeting her victims in person. “Meeting a criminal face-to-face elevates the situation,” an investigator remarked, emphasizing the potential danger.
After a thorough two-week investigation, detectives secured an arrest warrant for Bough on charges of exploitation of the elderly, a third-degree felony. She was apprehended and taken to the Garland Detention Center but has since been released on a $100,000 bond.
Authorities are probing whether other victims have fallen prey to similar schemes, collaborating with the FBI to explore potential federal charges.
Police urge the public to remain vigilant against scams. They advise against trusting caller ID, as numbers can be spoofed, and recommend verifying any suspicious calls directly with the organization involved.
To further safeguard themselves or loved ones, individuals should be cautious of requests for cash, gift cards, or wire transfers. Slowing down and recognizing scam tactics can be crucial in preventing fraud.