November 13, 2026
CRESTWOOD — Police are warning residents about a scam in which callers impersonate financial institutions, persuade people to withdraw cash and send couriers to collect the money.
In a November 13 release, Crestwood police described two recent cases: one involving a woman who handed over $9,000 across three days and another involving a resident who withdrew $4,000.
Police said the woman received calls between November 5 and November 7 from someone claiming to represent her credit union. The caller falsely told her that $15,000 had been withdrawn from her account.
The calls appeared credible because the caller ID displayed what appeared to be her financial institution’s number, police said. The caller also knew her address, date of birth and Social Security number.
According to police, the caller said her help was needed in an investigation, instructed her to keep the matter confidential and persuaded her to withdraw $3,000. A courier collected the cash from her home.
The woman made two more $3,000 withdrawals at separate branches over the following two days, police said. A courier collected the money each time, including once while she was shopping.
In the second case, reported November 3, another resident withdrew $4,000 after being contacted by someone posing as a credit union representative. Police said a courier collected that money and investigators believe the person may have been working for a rideshare service.
Police said similar scams have occurred in other municipalities, with callers claiming to represent banks, the FBI, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and other agencies.
The department warned that legitimate financial institutions and government agencies will not ask people to withdraw cash for an investigation, hand money to a courier, transfer funds to protect an account or keep an investigation secret from relatives or bank employees.
Residents who receive suspicious calls should hang up and contact their financial institution using a verified phone number, police said. Anyone who believes they have been targeted should contact their local police department.
Photo illustration: RDNE Stock project/Pexels. Screen date and time altered.
