Salina Post
A female victim of a scam was convinced to send over $9,000 in Bitcoin, after receiving an email from what it perceived to be a legitimate company.
According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Saturday, a 72-year-old female reported she received an email from PayPal, which indicated she had spent $399 in Bitcoin purchases on October 29, 2025. There was a number attached to email indicating if she did not make the purchase, to call the number provided.
The victim then called and spoke with a male individual, who asked for access to their computer, in which she granted. The suspect advised she had been hacked and that he needed to fix the account.
Shortly after, the victim received an email stating the $399 was being returned but they had accidently sent $40,000 to her account.
When the victim looked at her checking account she noticed the $40,000. The email asked her to return the money.
According to SPD, the suspect asked for a “good faith” payment of $20,000. The victim refused, but the suspect asked for $9,900.
Furthermore, the suspect told her to download Whatsapp and the Bitcoin app for communication purposes. Additionally, the victim also sent pictures of her driver’s license and provided her social security number.
The suspect then told the victim drive to Snak Attack (1619 W. Magnolia) and was able to convince her to deposit $9,900 inside the store's Bitcoin machine. The suspect was on the phone with the victim the entire time.
SPD determined the suspect had been able to access the victim’s bank account and move funds to make it look like $40,000 had been transferred into her account.
Total loss was valued at $9,900.
SPD wants to remind the public to not allow anyone to access your computer or provide personal information. If you receive suspicious emails, please DO NOT reply or call the numbers attached to the emails. If you have any concerns please call your local police department or contact your bank directly.