FBI Issues Warning : Frisco Woman Loses $32,800 in Online Scam
- William Taylor
- Oct 7
- 4 min read
Case highlights cryptocurrency fraud risks for seniors and North Texas residents.
Fake Computer Alert Leads to Financial Loss
Susan Mayfield, a 76-year-old Frisco resident, said she never imagined she would lose over $30,000.00 to a scam. On July 23, her laptop displayed a pop-up that appeared to come from Microsoft. The alert warned that her computer had been hacked and instructed her to call a phone number.
“The caller told me there were five foreign IP addresses on my computer,” Mayfield said. “He said he could see all sorts of things the hackers had done, including stealing $32,800 from my bank account.”
Mayfield followed instructions and called what she thought was her bank. A woman on the line told her to withdraw $15,000 from one bank and $17,800 from another. She was directed to deposit the money into a bitcoin ATM at a Fast Track convenience store in Lake Dallas.
“I could not believe I had fallen for it,” she said.
Online Scammers Pose as Federal Reserve Agents
After the deposits, two men claiming to be with the Federal Reserve contacted Mayfield. They provided fake identification and told her to withdraw larger amounts from her investment accounts and purchase gold bars. At that point, she realized she had been deceived.
The FBI said bitcoin transactions are difficult to trace, which makes recovery unlikely. “Once cryptocurrency is transferred, the chances of retrieving it are extremely low,” the bureau explains in public guidance.
Crypto Scams on the Rise in North Texas
Mayfield’s story is not unique. In Garland earlier this summer, another victim lost $25,000 in a similar online scam.
The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report found that cryptocurrency-related fraud caused more than $3.9 billion in losses nationwide. Texans reported more than $200 million in losses, ranking among the highest in the country. Seniors are often targeted, as scammers exploit both trust and unfamiliarity with new technologies.
“Criminals are increasingly turning to cryptocurrency because it is fast, largely anonymous, and difficult to reverse,” said the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). “Older adults face a higher risk because they often have significant retirement savings.”
Why This Matters for Frisco
For a community like Frisco, which includes many retirees as well as young families, scams raise questions about digital security. Mayfield’s case illustrates how quickly a convincing phone call can turn into a major financial loss.
Local businesses may also be affected. Bitcoin ATMs, increasingly common in convenience stores, can be misused by criminals. Store owners may receive reports from victims, but reimbursement is rare.
This is more than an individual problem. It affects neighborhood safety and public trust. With Frisco’s rapid growth, scammers may see more opportunities to target residents.
FBI Advice for Avoiding Scams
Authorities recommend several steps to help residents stay safe:
Do not call phone numbers listed in suspicious pop-ups or emails. Instead, look up your bank’s official number or call the nearest branch.
Verify before acting. If someone pressures you to withdraw or transfer money quickly, pause and confirm with a trusted source.
Be cautious with cryptocurrency. Bitcoin ATMs and crypto wallets should never be used to “protect” money.
Report scams. File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) and notify local police.
“If it can happen to me, it can happen to them,” Mayfield said. “It is a huge life lesson.”
Looking Ahead
As scams continue to evolve, awareness remains the strongest defense. Frisco residents can help by sharing stories like Mayfield’s, asking questions before acting on unusual financial requests, and learning how to spot warning signs.
The FBI encourages all victims to report fraud. Each report helps track patterns, warn communities, and prevent future losses.
For more resources on spotting and reporting scams, visit IC3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission’s scam alerts page at FTC.gov/scams.
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