An elderly woman in White Settlement, Texas, was moments away from being scammed out of $44,000 when a bystander and a police officer stepped in just in time. Myndi Jordan noticed the woman frantically inserting hundred-dollar bills into a cryptocurrency machine at a gas station. Despite Jordan’s attempts to stop her, the woman, convinced she was communicating with her bank, had already deposited $23,000.
Jordan then called the police, and Sgt. James Stewart responded. Taking the phone from the woman, Stewart confronted the scammer, demanding, “Do you really want to fight this fight with me?!” The scammer claimed it wasn’t Stewart’s concern, to which he replied, “What you’re doing is committing a crime! That makes it my problem!”
The elderly woman, believing she needed to repay Chase Bank, was about to send the remaining money. Stewart’s timely intervention prevented the loss. The woman later filed a fraud report and was reassured she would be refunded by the cryptocurrency company.
Stewart, angered by the scammer’s tactics, highlighted the fear and manipulation used against vulnerable individuals. The woman, grateful for his help, embraced Stewart after the incident.
Authorities advise anyone who suspects they are being scammed to hang up and verify the call by contacting the company directly using a verified number. They also recommend against sharing personal information or sending money via cryptocurrency.
