BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – Bexar County sheriff’s investigators have arrested a man named Haquilla Watson, 26, for allegedly stealing over $14,000 from a woman’s bank account. Watson managed to deceive the victim during a phone call, gaining her trust before committing the crime.
The incident, which took place in June, involved a northeast Bexar County resident named Denise Mumme. According to Mumme, Watson presented himself as a businessman on the phone, claiming to be with USAA, a well-known financial institution. He convinced her that he noticed a suspicious charge on her account, which made her believe he was genuinely trying to help.
“A sweet talker,” Mumme described him. “He sounded like a businessman, explained to me that he was with USAA and noticed there was a large charge on my account.” Following his instructions, she was led to believe that handing over her debit card was necessary to rectify the supposed situation.
Watson arranged for an Uber driver to collect Mumme’s debit card from her home, and according to the affidavit, this driver was unaware that he was part of a scam. Surveillance footage later showed the driver meeting Watson outside Crumbl Cookies at the Quarry Market, where he handed over an envelope containing Mumme’s card.
Investigators later found additional video evidence of Watson using the stolen debit card to withdraw cash and make purchases, totaling over $14,000 at various locations around Bexar County. It wasn’t until two days after she surrendered her card that Mumme noticed the missing funds and reported the incident to the sheriff’s office.
Fortunately, Mumme was able to recover her losses, but she felt compelled to share her experience to prevent others from falling victim to similar scams. “If I can help someone else not get scammed, then I’m all for it,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of awareness.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for USAA expressed relief that the issue had been resolved for their customer. They also provided important reminders for customers, highlighting the need for vigilance against potential scams and offering guidance on how to respond if approached by someone claiming to be a bank employee.
This case serves as a reminder of the growing threat of identity theft and fraud. Young people, in particular, should be educated about these risks and trained to recognize the signs of a scam. Always verify the identity of anyone asking for personal information, and never feel pressured to comply without proper confirmation. Stay safe!
