Woman Loses More Than $76,000 in Phone Scam; Chatham County Police Warn Public to Stay Vigilant
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. — The Chatham County Police Department is investigating after a woman lost more than $76,000 in a phone scam that unfolded over the course of a single day.
On Friday, February 6, 2026, the victim received a call from someone claiming her bank account had been compromised. The caller instructed her to immediately withdraw all of her money to “protect” it.
Believing the threat was real, the victim went to a Truist Bank branch on Wilmington Island and withdrew $32,500. She then handed the cash to a person she had never met in the parking lot.
Authorities say she was directed to a second Truist branch on East DeRenne Avenue, where she withdrew another $34,000 and gave the money to a different unknown individual. Finally, she went to a third branch on Mall Boulevard, withdrew $10,000, and handed that cash to yet another person in the parking lot.
In total, the victim lost $76,500 in cash.
Police say this type of scam is becoming increasingly common. Investigators report receiving weekly complaints from residents who have been pressured into handing over large sums of money after receiving urgent phone calls.
Officials are urging the public to never provide personal or banking information, and never hand over cash, gold, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone who calls unexpectedly demanding immediate action.
Scammers often create a sense of urgency or fear, telling victims their accounts are compromised or that they face serious consequences if they do not act quickly. Law enforcement advises residents to pause, verify the claim independently by contacting their bank or financial institution directly using an official phone number, and never rely on information provided by the caller.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Chatham County Police Department. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the department’s mobile app or online tip form. Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers at 912-234-2020 and could qualify for a cash reward.
Police remind the community that if you believe you have been scammed, report it immediately to both law enforcement and your financial institution.
