SAN ANTONIO – Recently, a local man in his late 60s found himself in a frightening situation that could have ended very badly, but thanks to some quick thinking and technology, he was saved from a potential kidnapping scam.
On March 18, the man received a distressing phone call that his wife had been kidnapped and that he needed to withdraw $1,000 to ensure her safety. This type of scam, targeting vulnerable individuals, is becoming increasingly common.
According to Officer Amanda Gomez of the San Antonio Police Department, the man seemed very anxious when he entered a Broadway Bank on Huebner Road to carry out the transaction. The bank teller noticed that something was off and acted quickly by alerting authorities.
“He handed a note to the teller, who recognized he was in trouble and called for help,” Officer Gomez explained. “He was unable to reach his wife and was clearly distressed.”
Gomez rushed to the couple’s home, only to find that the wife was not there. Fortunately, she was able to communicate with the woman through her doorbell camera. “We confirmed she was safe and not kidnapped,” Gomez said, adding that this information greatly relieved the husband.
The quick action of the bank teller was key in preventing the scam. Karina Alderete, a spokesperson for Broadway Bank, praised the teller’s instincts and emphasized the importance of being aware of such schemes. “At Broadway Bank, we know our customers well, and that relationship is crucial,” she stated. “Our banker noticed that the customer wasn’t acting like his usual self and escalated her concerns immediately.”
The police department noted that while this situation ended positively, it highlights the ongoing threat of scams targeting older adults. Officer Gomez advised that people should be cautious about answering calls from unknown numbers and be skeptical of any unsolicited messages.
“Always be careful with calls, texts, or links you’re not familiar with,” she cautioned. “It’s also a good idea to talk to your family members, especially older relatives, about these types of scams to keep them informed.”
In this case, the bank’s vigilance and the police’s swift response helped protect the couple from a potentially traumatic experience. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community awareness in preventing crime.
