https://komonews.com/news/local/sequim-woman-loses-125000-in-elaborate-amazon-scam-suspect-arrested-fraud-money-bank-card-credit-debit-atm-prime-federal-fbi-agent-community-warning-alert

A 71-year-old Sequim resident fell victim to a sophisticated scam, losing $125,000 after being deceived by people posing as federal agents investigating Amazon fraud.

The Clallam County Sheriff's Office said the incident began on March 2, when the woman was contacted by a man claiming to be from the "Amazon Fraud Department."

He then connected her with another man who identified himself as "John Davis," an "Agent" with the Federal Trade Commission.

The "Agent" convinced the victim that she was implicated in a money laundering operation and needed to prove her innocence by providing money to the Federal Trade Commission.

The woman was instructed to withdraw large sums of cash, purchase a lockbox, and deliver it to an "agent" at a Sequim business. Over three separate occasions, she handed over a total of $125,000, each time receiving a one-dollar bill from the supposed agent.

The scam was uncovered when the victim's bank manager alerted her to the suspicious activity, prompting an investigation by Clallam County Sheriff's Detectives.

On March 12, with the help of the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team, deputies conducted a sting operation. The victim was instructed to prepare another $40,000 for delivery.

During the exchange, deputies arrested 35-year-old Alla Mashkova of Tacoma, who was identified as the driver of the vehicle involved in the scam.

Mashkova was interviewed with the assistance of a Ukrainian-speaking interpreter and booked into Clallam County Jail on charges of Extortion 2nd Degree and Attempted Theft 1st Degree.

The investigation is ongoing, as authorities believe multiple suspects are involved.

The Clallam County Sheriff's Office urges residents to remain vigilant against scams and to contact them for assistance if they suspect fraudulent activity.