Scam targets elderly bank customers in Bellevue

Scam artists are targeting elderly people in Bellevue who are somehow convinced to withdraw cash from their bank accounts and hand it over.

In three recent cases, partners working the scam approached their victim near a bank entrance, telling them a story about wanting to donate a windfall to charity, according to police detective James Beck. They usually then ask for a demonstration that banks are trustworthy.

“So the victim, anxious to be charitable and to be helpful, will go into a bank, withdraw money, come back out, show the initial suspect and their accomplice [the money] to demonstrate that banks are trustworthy,” said Breck.

The next phase of the scam involves the victim handing over his cash withdrawal to the scam artists, who ask for a demonstration that they can trust the helpful victim. Once the money changes hands, the thieves take off.

“Keep in mind that these fraudsters are very good at what they do, they’re very friendly, they’re very good at gaining trust and rapport with these people,” said Breck. “Some of it could be being somewhat naive on the victim’s (part).”

Most of the victims are elderly or people for whom English is a second language, according to police.

The scam artists usually work in pairs, sometimes male and female. Anybody with information about the scam is asked to call Bellevue Police at 425-452-6910.