SCAM ALERT: "Capt. Mueller" gets $25,000 from elderly victim

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office wants you to know there is no Captain Frank Mueller.

A man claiming that name and title has scammed an 84-year-old victim out of $25,000.  The victim says she got a phone call from “Mueller”, claiming he was working on an organized crime investigation. He had some of her personal information, including her name and her son’s name, and used a ruse where he made her believe he was working with a District Attorney while on the phone.

“Mueller” told the victim that in order to investigate several bank tellers, he needed her to withdraw $25,000 from her bank. He made it sound like it wouldn’t actually be her money she was withdrawing.  They then met up and she handed over the money, under the impression it was not actually her money and was evidence for “Mueller’s” investigation.

When the victim told her son about what happened, they called JSO and learned there is no Captain Frank Mueller employed by JSO.  The victim now believes there were two people involved in the scam because she heard two different voices on the phone. One suspect is a black male with light colored hair and a beard who was wearing a grey pullover and pants. There is no description available on the potential second suspect.

JSO says you should never give out personal or financial information over the phone to someone who calls unsolicited.  You should also never assume a caller is genuine even if they have some of your information.

You should also verify the identity of any caller.  The number which appeared on the caller ID when “Mueller” called was 630-7600, which is a JSO information line. Investigators believe he was being routed through there to hide his own number.

If you have any information about this scam, you're asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. Crime Stoppers is also offering a $3,000 tip for any information you have which leads to an arrest. You can call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.