Cape police warn of new phone scam

Cape Girardeau police are warning residents to beware of an ongoing phone scam.

Resident Marty Riley encountered the scam Friday morning. A man she described as not fluent in English because he mispronounced words and town names, told Riley she had won $2.5 million from the Publishers Clearing House. All she had to do to claim the money was to give $85 to a contact at Wells Fargo Bank and her bank account number.

"It did not sound legit," Riley said. "How many other people are getting the same call?"

The caller gave out detailed information, saying Riley should contact manager Tim Martinez at the Wells Fargo location in Seattle. He included a phone number and account number for Martinez. Riley said she called a local Wells Fargo, and there is not a location in Seattle.

Cape Girardeau police public information officer Richard McCall said most residents are more aware of the scam calls than previously. He said most of the calls trace to Nigeria, and in such cases a detective in the department fills out a report and sends it to the FBI.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644