Two Arrested in Oxford After Attempted Scam
Oxford, MS – In a recent incident that highlights the dangers of phone scams, two men from Georgia were arrested by local authorities after attempting to scam a resident out of thousands of dollars. This operation was a joint effort between the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, demonstrating the seriousness of these types of crimes.
Details of the Scam
The sheriff’s office received a report on Thursday regarding a potential fraud case. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, reported that they received a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to represent Amazon. The caller asked the victim if they had purchased a computer worth $4,000, which the victim denied.
The scam took a more alarming turn when the caller informed the victim that their assets had been frozen and implied that the Social Security Administration (SSA) would be in touch. Not long after this initial call, the victim received a second call, supposedly from the SSA. The scammer, equipped with a photo of an identification badge, convinced the victim that urgent action was required.
The scammer advised the victim to withdraw all but $1,500 from their bank account, claiming that the funds would be held by the U.S. Department of Treasury for safekeeping until the victim was provided with a new social security number. This misleading advice led the victim to follow through with the withdrawal.
Setting the Trap
Feeling uneasy about the situation, the victim decided to report the suspicious activity to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office. Understanding the gravity of the situation, investigators quickly organized a plan to apprehend the scammers.
The two scammers, identified as Nasruddin Bhai Nooruddin, 52, and Chaturali Alauidin Roy, 69, both from Atlanta, Georgia, were captured when they arrived at the victim’s home to collect the cash on Friday. The arrest was executed without incident, and both men are now being held pending a bail hearing.
Warnings from Local Authorities
In light of this incident, local law enforcement officials are taking the opportunity to warn the public about the increasingly prevalent phone scams that target citizens. They emphasize the importance of being cautious when receiving calls from individuals claiming to be from government agencies or well-known companies. The Sheriff’s Office urges residents not to divulge any personal information over the phone, especially to unknown callers.
If anyone in the Oxford area receives suspicious calls similar to this one, they are encouraged to contact the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office at 662-234-6421. Citizens should stay vigilant and report any unusual activity that could indicate a scam.
Conclusion
This recent event serves as a reminder of the lengths scammers will go to deceive individuals and the importance of remaining alert. Local authorities are committed to protecting the community and ensuring that such fraudsters are brought to justice.
