ATLANTA — In a heart-wrenching tale of deception, a Floyd County couple has come forward to share their harrowing experience of falling victim to a parole scam.
Cynthia and Martin Dunn spoke exclusively to 11Alive, revealing how they were manipulated into sending money for their son's alleged early release.
Cynthia recounted the initial phone call that gave her a glimmer of hope earlier this week, stating, "The phone rang, and he said he was from the parole board, that our son, Mark Anthony Dunn, had been approved for early parole."
However, the joy was short-lived, as Martin explained the catch.
"He said he had two choices: the halfway house or the ankle monitor. And then he mentioned the cost - $2,300. I said, 'I'm on disability. There's no way we can do that,'" Martin said.
In a cruel twist, Martin revealed that after he sent the money via Cash App, the scammer abruptly ended the call, leaving the distraught parents with no recourse.
When 11Alive attempted to contact the provided number, a recorded message stated, "Your call cannot be completed as the called party is unavailable."
Steve Hayes, spokesperson for the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, expressed deep concern over the growing trend of such scams, revealing that over 100 families have reported similar calls.
"It's very unfortunate; the criminals are preying on the desperation of family members in situations where they want their loved one out of prison," Hayes emphasized.
Hayes issued a stern warning to the public, stating, "The board will never ask for funds, and the board does not require any funds to initiate a parole release of the offender." He urged victims not only to refrain from sending money but also to report such incidents to the police.
In response to the increasing reports, Hayes assured that his office is collaborating with state authorities. However, he cautioned that with the holiday season approaching, more calls of this nature might occur. Hayes urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious calls to the authorities.
The Dunn family, although feeling foolish for falling victim to the scam, is determined to share their story to prevent other Georgia families from experiencing similar heartbreak. As the holiday season approaches, the message is clear: stay vigilant and be cautious of unsolicited calls regarding legal matters.