Gates County residents are on high alert following a brazen scam that targeted an elderly woman, leading to the arrest of Kelly Early. Early is accused of attempting to defraud the victim not once, but twice, in a scheme that has raised concerns among local authorities.

According to the Gates County Sheriff's Office, the incident began when the victim, an elderly woman in her eighties, received an email claiming there were issues with her PayPal account. The alleged scammer, posing as a legitimate sender, insisted that she had received too much money and needed to return it. This led to a series of 17 demanding phone calls, pressuring her to act quickly.

In a troubling turn of events, the woman withdrew approximately $20,000 from her bank and handed the cash over to Early, who had come to her home. However, the scammers continued to pressure the victim for more money, prompting her to return to the bank. This time, bank staff grew suspicious and advised her to report the situation as a potential scam.

Sheriff Ray Campbell emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that scams have become a nationwide emergency. He highlighted that even he receives scam calls, but the direct approach taken in this case was particularly alarming. The Gates County Sheriff's Office is urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to prevent further incidents.

As the investigation continues, the community is reminded of the importance of safeguarding personal information and being cautious of unsolicited requests for money. The case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths scammers will go to exploit vulnerable individuals.