A potential scam led a Kingsport Highway man to give away almost $326,000 to a woman he met by dialing a wrong number.
The victim told deputies he got into a relationship with a woman after reportedly dialing the wrong number in February. The two continued communicating through text and eventually transitioned into voice and video calls. Around March, the suspect, who said her name was Claire Lee in the report, brought up investing in crypto currency and said the two could make a lot of money.
The victim said he sent $29,000 through a Bitcoin kiosk in Jonesborough. He continued sending various amounts through apps on his phone. In total, the man sent $326,500. He told deputies the app was showing funds totaling almost $617,000. He spoke to the suspect about taking out $25,000 to pay off a loan, but the suspect suggested he wait.
As of last week, the man said he sent the alleged suspect a message, and she took it out of context. He said they had a verbal argument over the phone and that when he went to check the amount in the account, the balance was $0. The man said he now realizes he is also locked out of several accounts and believes he was scammed.
