GRAND RAPIDS — An Ohio man faces one count of felony theft by swindle after allegedly scamming elderly victims in the Grand Rapids and Hibbing area out of thousands of dollars.
The Grand Rapids Police Department stated in a news release that the Itasca County Dispatch Center fielded numerous reports Monday morning, Feb. 3, regarding scammers. Area residents reported they were called by a scammer claiming their grandson was arrested following a car crash. The scammer then demanded immediate payment of $17,000 for legal fees or bail.
The report identified three senior victims who each prepared cash envelopes to hand to the unknown man who arrived at their door shortly after the phone call. Two victims were from Grand Rapids and one was from Hibbing. Court documents stated the scam was executed identically in each case.
Based on the victims’ descriptions and review of home security footage, 20-year-old RaShawn Carter of Canton, Ohio, was arrested in Grand Rapids on Monday. A search of his vehicle found approximately $42,800 cash as well as signed envelopes from the victims. Court documents stated the combined total of the three thefts was more than $49,000.
Carter remained in the Itasca County Jail as of Wednesday.
"Law enforcement strongly urges the community to remain vigilant and to verify any claims of family members in distress by directly reaching out to that family member or another trusted contact," stated Grand Rapids Police Chief Andy Morgan in the release.
Anyone who has received a similar scam call is encouraged to report it to the Itasca County Sheriff's Office at 218-326-3477.
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