EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — A person missing from Anoka County was found in western Wisconsin Thursday, and police said what brought them there was a scam.
Eau Claire Police said in a press release the missing person was found at a hotel. They went there thinking they had to pay the FBI $32,000. Once they found out this was a scam, officials said they called the police.
Officers spoke with the victim and staff in the hotel when the alleged scammer walked by, according to ECPD. The person was arrested and police recovered the $32,000.
"It's important to know the FBI will never contact you and ask for money. The FBI and other agencies will also never ask you to keep those requests a secret," said Eau Claire Police Media and Communications specialist Shannon Hoyt in a press release.
Police in Eau Claire said this is the second such scam case in the city this week. According to Hoyt, the first victim lost $60,000 from someone who came to their apartment to pick up the cash.
"If you ever have a question or hesitation about whether you are being scammed, take a moment, assess the situation and when in doubt, contact your local law enforcement," Hoyt said.
