The Summerville Police Department is investigating a fraud case after a woman reported losing $25,000 in a scheme involving callers who falsely claimed her bank account had been compromised.

According to a police report, the victim, Karen Patrice Martin, 65, of Mentone, Alabama, told officers she was contacted on her cellphone by a foreign-speaking man who claimed her Truist Bank account had been linked to child pornography activity.

The caller allegedly told Martin that immediate action was needed to resolve the issue and informed her that he already possessed her account information.

According to the report, the caller instructed Martin to travel to a local business in Summerville and use a Bitcoin kiosk to transfer money. Police said Martin went to Amoco at 10380 Commerce Street and completed a Bitcoin transaction totaling $25,000 on June 1.

The victim later provided officers with receipts documenting both the Bitcoin purchase and the withdrawal of funds from her Truist Bank account used to complete the transaction.

Police reports indicate Martin also received phone calls from individuals claiming to represent the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). One caller reportedly provided a case number, while another supplied what was described as an authorization number as part of the scheme.

The incident has been classified as identity fraud by impersonation, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Law enforcement officials continue to warn the public that legitimate government agencies and financial institutions do not demand payment through Bitcoin, gift cards, wire transfers, or other unconventional payment methods. Residents are encouraged to verify any suspicious calls independently before providing personal information or sending money.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a similar scam should contact local law enforcement immediately.