DeSoto Police Use Sting Operation to Arrest Suspected Scam Courier

DeSoto, Mo. (KFMO) - DeSoto police arrested a man Friday evening after a resident fell victim to a $30,000 scam involving a caller falsely claiming to represent both the FBI and the Social Security Administration.

According to investigators, the victim was contacted on November 12 by someone posing as a federal agent and convinced to withdraw $30,000 in cash. The scammer then attempted to obtain additional money on Friday, November 14. Working with the victim and First State Community Bank, DeSoto officers coordinated a plan to make the scammer believe another withdrawal had been made and that the cash would be ready for pickup.

Just after 5 p.m. Friday, a man arrived to collect the supposed funds. Officers arrested the individual, a 47-year-old Hispanic male, who was later released into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing.