An 82-year-old woman in Crestwood, Missouri, was prevented from sending $7,000 in Bitcoin to someone claiming to be Apple Support after a Watson Gas Mart employee recognized scam red flags and called police. Officer Andrew Gift intervened May 28 and stopped the transaction, though the woman had already lost $4,000 in gift cards earlier that day. Crestwood and federal agencies warn that scammers often demand payment by gift card or cryptocurrency and advise hanging up on unsolicited tech-support calls.
Gas Station Clerk Foils $7,000 Bitcoin Scam, Saves 82-Year-Old From Further Losses
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An 82-year-old woman in Crestwood, Missouri, was stopped from sending $7,000 in Bitcoin to a caller claiming to be from Apple Support after a vigilant gas station employee recognized the warning signs and called police.
What happened
The incident occurred May 28 at Watson Gas Mart, 9666 Watson Road. The woman entered the store while still on the phone with someone who said they were from Apple Support and prepared to complete a $7,000 Bitcoin transfer. A store employee overheard the conversation, noticed red flags and contacted Crestwood police.
Officer Andrew Gift responded, determined the woman was the victim of an ongoing fraud scheme and intervened before the Bitcoin transaction was completed. The caller repeatedly phoned back after the call ended, Crestwood officials said.
Earlier loss
Investigators later learned the same woman had already been defrauded of $4,000 earlier that day after being instructed by the caller to buy gift cards at a Lowe’s in St. Louis City. That $4,000 payment was not recovered.
Why this was suspicious
Crestwood officials said the request for cryptocurrency was a key red flag. Scammers commonly impersonate trusted organizations, create a false sense of urgency and insist on payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency or other nontraditional methods that are difficult to reverse.
The Federal Trade Commission warns tech-support impersonators may claim there is a computer problem, ask for remote access and pressure victims to pay by gift card, wire transfer, bank transfer, cryptocurrency or payment apps. Apple advises hanging up on unsolicited callers who claim to be Apple Support, because scammers may spoof numbers and use high-pressure tactics to obtain money or account information.
“This incident at the Watson Gas Mart is why we are working to educate both residents and businesses about fraud prevention,” Business Resource Officer Matt Hill said. “The employee recognized the warning signs, contacted police, and helped prevent this resident from losing thousands more dollars. Their actions made a real difference.”
Prevention efforts and advice
Crestwood launched a fraud-prevention initiative in April 2026; Webster Groves joined in May to form the Watson Corridor Fraud Prevention Partnership. Officials listed common warning signs: unsolicited calls, texts or emails demanding immediate payment; requests to pay with gift cards, Bitcoin or other unconventional methods; pressure to act quickly; and instructions to keep the matter confidential.
If you suspect someone is being targeted or notice suspicious activity, contact the Crestwood Police Department at 314-729-4800. In an emergency, call 911.
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