PERRY, Ga. — Two Georgia residents face criminal charges after an elderly resident was targeted in an extortion scheme resulting in an estimated $70,000 loss, according to police.
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Perry police found the victim and intervened during an active missing-person investigation that began on Sept. 21, preventing further financial loss.
Perry police and Bibb County deputies launched the joint investigation after receiving a missing-person report involving the resident.
Investigators determined that individuals impersonating federal, court and law enforcement officials actively targeted the victim, threatening her with arrest if she did not comply with their demands.
The callers instructed the victim to maintain continuous phone contact, keep the situation secret, withdraw cash, purchase cryptocurrency, use retail payment barcodes, and deliver funds to other individuals.
Financial records confirmed that the victim withdrew $63,000 during the course of the scheme. Officers tracked and located the victim’s vehicle using the Flock Safety camera system, intervening in time to prevent further monetary theft and recovering a portion of the stolen funds.
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Authorities identified two suspects from Macon in connection with the scheme. James L. Card, 26, faces charges of theft by extortion, elderly exploitation and impersonation of an officer. Tykeria L. Washington, 31, faces charges of elderly exploitation.
Following the investigation, the Perry Police Department issued advice to help residents recognize fraudulent demands.
“Government agencies will not instruct a person to keep payment confidential from family members or local law enforcement,” the department said in a statement. The agency added that “legitimate courts and government agencies do not demand payment through Bitcoin kiosks, retail-payment barcodes, Apple Cash, gift cards, or cash couriers.”
Law enforcement officials urged anyone who encounters similar tactics to protect themselves immediately.
“Anyone receiving this type of communication should immediately stop contact, avoid sending money or identification documents and contact their local law-enforcement agency,” the department said.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact Det. Talley at the Perry Police Department at 478-988-2800.
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