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Michigan Couple Out $350,000 in ATM Scam – How to Avoid It

Scammers are the worst. They often prey on the elderly and people who aren’t versed with modern technology, which is just so terrible. Now, an elderly Michigan couple has lost…

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Scammers are the worst. They often prey on the elderly and people who aren't versed with modern technology, which is just so terrible. Now, an elderly Michigan couple has lost more than a third of a million dollars in an ATM and Bitcoin scam. Here's how to make sure it doesn't happen to you.

According to WILX (via UpperMichigansSource.com), detectives at the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office reported a Grand Traverse County couple lost $350,000 in terrible fraud case.

"It's frustrating to lose money, but it’s also when you see people taken advantage of it’s difficult to watch," Lt. Brandon Brinks told WILX. He stated the couple made multiple withdraws from a variety of banks to transfer money to coin flip, an ATM that works with bitcoin. “We’re getting money sent through Western Union wires and Green Dot cards and Walmart gift cards,” Brinks added. “There’s just there’s no end to the way that people find to have money transferred once you withdraw it from your bank.”

To avoid being scammed, Lieutenant Brinks says you should always phone a business directly from a number listed on their website.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.