Forsyth County couple loses $13,000 in phone scam, police warn

A phone call that sounded official enough to lower a Forsyth County couple’s guard ended with $13,000 gone, a fast-moving scam that turned a routine errand into a costly fraud case.

The alleged scheme surfaced on June 3 and moved in a few minutes from the phone to a bank ATM. The couple was told to act quickly, follow instructions and make transactions at the machine. One detail made the scam especially effective: they were instructed to throw away the ATM receipts, erasing the paper trail that might have prompted a second look before the money was gone.

That sequence is what fraud investigators and consumer advocates say makes impersonation scams so dangerous. The caller’s tone and urgency can make the request sound official, especially when victims are asked to keep quiet, avoid outside advice and complete a task immediately. By the time the couple realized the call had not been legitimate, the money had already been withdrawn.

The case matters well beyond one household. Forsyth County sits in a fast-growing metro Atlanta region where financial scams have become a recurring problem, and a $13,000 loss can hit hard, whether it means missed bills, delayed repairs or weeks of recovery while banks review the transaction. Even when money is partially recovered, the damage to a family’s budget can be immediate.

Federal consumer guidance has long warned that impersonation scams remain one of the most common fraud types reported year after year. The Federal Trade Commission says consumers reported losing nearly $3 billion to impersonators in 2024 alone. Its advice is blunt: hang up, then verify the story by calling the bank or company yourself through a known number or official app.

Georgia consumer-protection officials say speed is critical once a fraudulent transfer starts. The Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division advises victims to contact the financial institution immediately after spotting the fraud, because fast action offers the best chance to limit losses and recover funds.

For Forsyth County residents, the warning is practical and immediate. Any call that pushes cash transfers, secrecy or ATM use should be treated as suspect, especially if the caller tries to control the entire exchange from start to finish.