Imposter Bilks Woman Of Savings

A Spokane woman lost most of her life savings last week when she turned the cash over to a man posing as a bank examiner, police said.

At least six people have recently reported men posing as bank examiners and police detectives. They’ve asked people for thousands of dollars.

In the most recent case, an 89-year-old woman was contacted by a “Mr. Mason” claiming to work for Washington Trust Bank.

He said there was a problem with the woman’s account, and told her to withdraw $4,500 to help him find a crooked bank employee, police said.

She turned the money over to the man in a NorthTown Mall parking lot. He called her later, saying it wasn’t enough and to bring another $2,300 to the same place, which she did.

Police said the “bank examiner” called again to tell the woman she did a good job. She should go to the bank in the morning to be informed of the situation.

When she arrived, the scam was revealed by bank officials.

“Mr. Mason” is described as a heavy-set white man in his 50s, clean shaven and well-dressed. He was about 5 feet 10 inches tall.

Anyone receiving such a call should press *69 on their phone after the conversation, write down the caller’s number and call Crime Check at 456-2233. , DataTimes