81-Year-Old Scam Victim Murders Uber Driver in Scam Gone Wrong

Table of Contents

• 81-Year-Old Shoots Uber Driver in Scam Gone Wrong

• Anatomy of this Grandparent Scam

• How to Protect Yourself from the Grandparent Scam

81-Year-Old Shoots Uber Driver in Scam Gone Wrong

A grandparent scam turned deadly when the victim mistakenly took the Uber driver for being part of the scam.

On March 25, William Brock received a call from a scammer claiming to be an officer. The scammer explained to Brock that his nephew had been in a wreck, was in jail, and needed $12,000 in bond money to get out.

The calls turned more sinister when Brock didn’t comply with the request. The scammer changed tactics - telling Brock his nephew was being held hostage, and threatening to harm his nephew and family if he didn’t pay the $12,000.

Frightened for his nephew and family, Brock got the $12,000 in cash and was told to wait at home for someone to pick up the money.

Meanwhile, 61-year-old Loletha Hall was driving for Uber when she received a request to pick up a package from Brock’s house for delivery.

When she arrived, Brock threatened her with a gun, took her cell phone, and tried to get her to confess who she worked for.

Brock shot her in the leg. Hall ran outside, trying to get to her car and Brock followed, pointing the gun at her. As she went to get to her door, Brock fired two more times, fatally wounding her.

Brock then called 911 and told the police that he feared for his life and gave a description of the scam and told them the scammer was on the line.

The police walked into Brock’s house to find the $12,000 in cash on the table and spoke to the scammer.

In the news clip below, a Clark County Sheriff’s Office detective speaks with a scammer that identifies himself as an officer and tells the detective, “You’re going to be in trouble.” When the detective identifies herself as an actual police officer, the phone disconnected.

This grandparent scam that involved impersonating an officer is fairly common. However, when the victim doesn’t comply quickly, the scammer resolves to different tactics. In this case, threats of violence.

Even worse, the scammer pulls in Loletha Hall who believes she is doing her job, only to enter into a nightmare that results in her death.

Anatomy of this Grandparent Scam

It’s easy to be an outsider and read this story thinking, “I would never do that.”

You hear about this type of scam repeatedly because it works. It’s not easy in the moment to be so rational.

Imagine picking up the phone and the caller claims to be an officer from your local or nearby police department. The caller then explains that your loved one (and they state the correct name of your loved one) was in an accident, is in jail, and needs your help. They will likely state that your loved one specifically gave the officer your name and number, and help is needed now.

There is a level of shock and disbelief that sets in. You picture your loved one in a cell and immediately want to help them.

This is how the scammer sets the hook.

1. They immediately claim authority and build trust by impersonating an officer and stating the name of your loved one.

2. From there, they convey a story that doesn’t sound impossible - a car accident.

3. They add guilt by telling you that your loved one asked for you by name.

4. Finally, they add urgency by telling you the money is needed now.

How to Protect Yourself from the Grandparent Scam

In the perfect world, the best advice is:

Don’t Answer Phone Calls From Numbers You Don’t Recognize

However, if you do answer the call and the person tells you they are an officer, there’s been an accident with your family member, and your help is needed immediately. Here are the next steps:

1. Hang up. The scammer will tell you not to hang up. They do this to ensure you stay confused and don’t have time to rationalize.

2. Ask questions. It’s challenging to be in this situation and you feel scared to hang up. In that case, ask questions. Many scammers give up or resort to threats. In this case, you can ask:

   1. What is your name and what police department did you say you’re with?

   2. What is my nephew charged with?

   3. Where can I go to see him?

   4. Who is his appointed attorney?

3. Call the police department in question. Google the police department name and only click on the corresponding site that ends in .gov, .org, or .com. Call the listed number and speak directly to them.

4. Call the loved one directly. Many times, victims have gotten a hold of their loved ones while on the phone with the scammer.

5. Other warning signs that it’s a scam. Other telltale signs include:

   1. Asking for cash

   2. Asking for a gift card

   3. Telling you not to get off the phone