A Vancouver, Wash., body shop is warning others of a possible scam involving relay phone service for the hearing impaired.
On Feb. 6, a customer called Alpine Auto Body via the phone service claiming to need a tow to Vancouver from Texas and the cash to pay for it.
Shop manager Jim McCoy told KPTV Channel 12 that the caller asked the shop to charge $3,500 to his credit card, then wire the same amount in cash to him. McCoy said he believed the caller used the relay service to gain sympathy from the shop.
“There’s a lot of scamming with insurance checks out there, so we’re always aware and making sure that everything is legit,” McCoy said. “So you have your ears open when something like this starts coming up.”
Alpine employees told KPTV they’re concerned the caller or others like him will continue to prey on small businesses.
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