DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Two Fayetteville residents, Crystal Brooks (58) and Rudraksh Rawat (20), are facing felony charges for their alleged roles in a phone scam that targeted residents across Durham County.
According to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), there has been a spike in reports related to a common phone scam. Victims are contacted by someone claiming they owe money to the court system or that they have an active arrest warrant. The caller instructs them to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or buy Bitcoin to resolve the issue. In some cases, the scammers even send a “courier” to collect money directly from the victim.
This week, deputies responded to a report from a resident in northern Durham County. The victim had been told that their bank account was compromised and was advised to withdraw money and deposit it into a “Bitcoin ATM” for safekeeping. After complying, the victim was told to prepare more cash for in-person pickup.
When the two alleged “couriers” arrived in a blue SUV to collect the money, deputies were waiting. Brooks and Rawat were detained on the scene and subsequently arrested.
Both suspects were charged with felony conspiracy and obtaining property by false pretense. They are being held in the Durham County Detention Facility, each on a $15,000 secured bond.
