In Hinesville, Georgia, a 78-year-old resident, Carolyn Dorsey, is raising awareness after falling victim to an elaborate phone scam that ultimately led to an in-person cash pickup at her home, costing her $8,000.

The fraud unfolded last Thursday when Dorsey received a distressing call from someone she believed to be her daughter. The caller, sobbing uncontrollably, claimed she had been involved in an accident on Fort Stewart.

Shortly after, Dorsey was contacted by a person posing as a public defender, informing her that her daughter had been arrested and required a $16,000 bond for release.

Unable to meet the full amount, Dorsey explained her financial limitation, prompting the caller to lower the demand to $8,000. They instructed her that a courier would visit her home to retrieve the cash.

According to a report from the Hinesville Police Department, an individual indeed arrived at Dorsey’s residence and departed with the money. The suspect is described as a woman driving a white or silver Chevrolet Malibu.

Dorsey said the caller later contacted her again, escalating the story and demanding the full amount. Before sending more money, she said she decided to call her daughter directly to get additional information and learned she was safe at home.

“I’m really embarrassed,” she said. “I wasn’t going to do this because I didn’t want the whole world to know that I actually fell for something so ridiculous. Now, after looking back at it, there were so many red flags.”

Dorsey said she decided to share her story to warn others, especially older adults, about how convincing and fast-moving these scams can be.

Hinesville Police said scams that involve urgency, fear or demands for immediate payment are common red flags. They encourage anyone who receives a similar call to hang up, verify the information with family members, and contact law enforcement.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a scam is urged to contact the Hinesville Police Department.