Clarksville police searching for suspect who scammed woman out of $160K

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Police in Clarksville are looking for a man who is accused of receiving $160,000 from a woman in a scam that lasted over a period of three months.

According to the Clarksville Police Department, the incident began on June 14. The victim allegedly told investigators she was contacted by someone claiming to be from Amazon, stating there was “fraudulent activity on her account.”

The woman told police the caller then transferred her to what she believed to be her bank. After speaking with the bank, the woman said she was transferred once again — this time to someone who claimed to be from the Federal Trade Commission.

Officials said the callers told the woman she was under investigation and they needed to secure her money.

The Clarksville Police Department said the victim first met the suspect in the parking lot of a Walmart located in the 2300 block of Madison Street on Aug. 9. During that interaction, she reportedly gave the man $50,000 in cash.

A week later, on Aug. 16, she met the man again and gave him $60,000, police said. In addition, the victim said she also transferred another $50,000 in Bitcoin to the suspect on two separate occasions.

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Detectives said they weren’t made aware of the incident until Aug. 28, which is when the woman contacted police to file a report.

On Friday, Sept. 13, detectives released a photo of the suspect who is believed to have scammed the victim out of $160,000.

Authorities said the suspect also gave the name of an actual person who has worked for or is currently employed with CPD or MCSO.

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“It is important to reiterate that at no time will anyone from a law enforcement agency request that you make a payment in cash, over the phone, or load money onto a prepaid card (Apple gift card, Green Dot card, etc.) to take care of an outstanding warrant. This is a common tactic used by scammers, and we urge the public to remain cautious and informed,” the department wrote in a release.

Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to call 911 or the Clarksville Montgomery County Crime Stoppers Tipsline at 931-645-8477 .

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