VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – Criminals are targeting military and young people throughout the Hampton Roads area, and victims are losing thousands upon thousands of dollars.
Travis Minson, 23, said he was in a good mood and wanted to help last December when two men stopped him at a traffic light near Lynnhaven Mall.
“They were from out of town. They didn’t have their ID or debit card with them, and without their ID they couldn’t go to Navy Federal and pick up their debit card,” Minson said.
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He said they seemed sincere and he wanted to help them.
“I’ve also been in situations where I didn’t have my card and had to wire money to someone, which was then sent back to me,” Minson said.
He said he gave them his phone so they could log into their Navy Federal app, but instead they got into his account and quickly took out a $7,000 personal loan in his name, making his account balance appear much higher than it was.
“It was approved in less than seconds and deposited into my bank account,” Minson said.
Despite having his phone, the suspects secretly transferred money to his Cash App account and told him they had accidentally transferred too much, at which point he gave them the difference.
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Minson said something seemed wrong. He said he initially called Navy Federal that same day and then filed a police report the next day.
“I definitely think people should be vigilant and on guard against people trying to gain access to their Navy Federal account,” Minson said.
He was shocked to receive a letter from Navy Federal stating that he was responsible for the $7,000 personal loan the suspects had taken out in his name.
“It’s definitely affected my trust in people and I’m definitely very cautious about helping other people. I don’t give anyone my phone anymore. I’m not going to do that,” Minson said.
Travis Minson’s eponymous father believes changes need to be made to prevent people from taking out personal loans so carelessly.
“The fraudsters should be held accountable. I think the bank should be held accountable, and he should be held accountable for being too kind,” he said. “Nine months later, it’s still happening and they know about it. It’s unbelievable to me that this isn’t being addressed and fixed.”
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According to the police, this crime is still commonplace in the region:
- Norfolk Police issued a warning a year ago, citing four incidents in which military personnel were said to have been targeted.
- According to Virginia Beach police, there have been more than 70 incidents this year.
- Chesapeake police say they have handled about 120 cases since 2023, and there are now criminals targeting young people, not just military personnel.
- Portsmouth has reported 23 cases since 2023.
- Nine cases were reported to Suffolk Police.
Navy Federal issued the following statement and advice on the situation:
“The safety of our members is our top priority and at Navy Federal we take every precaution necessary to best protect our members every day in every situation. With ongoing criminal activity targeting bank and credit union members in the area, we offer helpful tips on how you can protect yourself.”
- Stay alert: Be cautious if strangers approach you and ask for your bank or other financial information. When you go to an ATM, take another person with you so you are less vulnerable.
- Do not intervene: If someone approaches you and asks for your banking or financial information, walk away without starting the conversation.
- Protect your mobile device: Protect your phone and never give it to anyone you don’t trust completely. When banking online in public places, be aware of your surroundings and keep your account number and PIN safe from others.
- Report suspicious activity: If you suspect someone is trying to defraud you, contact the police.
- Monitor your account: Please report any suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions to us immediately.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the ongoing criminal activity, please read the Norfolk Police Department news release warning residents about targeted scams or visit fbi.gov/scam for more information on reporting crimes and scams. If you have any questions about account security, please contact us at 1-888-842-6328. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Virginia Beach Police also issued a statement:
For security reasons, we strongly advise citizens to be cautious when someone asks them for a favor involving their phone, especially when it comes to making bank transfers. Treat your phone like your wallet – never give it to a stranger. In addition, if you find yourself in a situation where someone asks you for such a favor, we recommend:
- Politely decline the request and move away from the person.
- Report any suspicious behavior to the authorities immediately.
- Be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal or financial information.
