Mendy Stewart from Edmond is sharing her harrowing experience to alert others about the dangers of phone scams. What began as an ordinary day turned into a nightmare when she received a shocking call from an unknown number, leaving her fearful for her mother’s safety.
Stewart was on her way to meet her mother when the phone rang. Answering the call, she was met with a frantic, hysterical voice, which the caller claimed belonged to her mother. The person on the line initially posed as a state trooper, delivering the devastating news that her mother had been involved in a severe car accident.
“I received a phone call from an unknown number,” Stewart recounted. “And I answered it and just heard a woman crying hysterically.”
The situation quickly escalated. The caller abruptly changed their story, claiming to be a member of a Mexican cartel. They demanded $30,000, threatening the lives of Stewart, her mother, and her daughter if she didn’t comply—or if she sought help.
“I was in total shock,” Stewart said. “They threatened me, saying if I alerted the police or told anyone, my mother would die.”
Stewart described the ordeal as “41 minutes of pure terror,” filled with panic and confusion. However, just before taking further action, she received a text message from her mother, proving that the call was a cruel scam.
“Absolutely terrifying,” Stewart shared. “How do you hang up when you think your mom is being held hostage and her life is at stake?”
Now, Stewart is speaking out to warn others about the emotional manipulation scammers use to prey on their victims. She admits she never thought she would fall for such a scheme but now understands how easily fear and concern for loved ones can cloud judgment.
“They hook you with your emotions from the start,” Stewart cautioned. “Just be aware that this kind of scam is happening.”
Local authorities have confirmed an increase in reports of similar scams and are urging residents to exercise caution. Edmond Police advise against answering calls from unknown numbers and stress the importance of not sharing financial information over the phone.
Stewart hopes her experience will encourage others to stay vigilant and prevent them from becoming victims of such malicious schemes.