In Waltham, MA, a vigilant off-duty officer's routine stop at a gas station turned into an act of heroism when he thwarted a hefty $12,000 scam. Officer Dan Collins of the Waltham Police Department was on his way to a walking beat assignment when he happened to observe an elderly man, laden with cash, heading towards a Bitcoin machine whilst engaged in a phone conversation. The Waltham MA Police Department shared the account of the event on social media.
Drawing on his scam-related expertise, Officer Collins discerned the red flags. The phone call involved a scammer masquerading as a representative from "Apple Customer Support" and the "FTC," advising the victim to deposit $12,000 to address a supposed computer virus. Collins, recognizing the signs of a con, did not hesitate to step in, introduce himself as a local law enforcement officer, and validate the man's fears that he was, indeed, the target of a scam. His intervention came just in time to halt the transaction, and subsequently, he called the local police for further assistance.
This fortunate interruption by Collins not only saved an individual from a significant loss but also serves as a reminder of the perpetual vigilance officers carry, both on and off duty. The Waltham Police Department's post also served an educational purpose, warning the public that legitimate companies and government bodies do not require payments in cryptocurrency. The post emphasized the importance of hanging up if people encounter suspicious demands and verifying the legitimacy of such requests by calling the real company or agency.
