DURHAM, NC (Wednesday, July 16, 2025) – The Durham County Sheriff’s Office has seen a significant rise in complaints of a common scam in recent weeks. The criminal scenario starts when an unsuspected person receives a phone call saying they owe money to a company, to the courts, or have a warrant for their arrest. The receivers of this fraudulent information are then instructed to go to the bank and take out cash and then purchase gift cards or buy bitcoin. In some cases, a so-called “courier” meets the person to pick up the cash directly.
Yesterday (Tuesday, July 15, 2025), DCSO deputies responded to a home in Northern Durham County related to a potential scam/fraud case. The victim in this specific instance stated two (2) unknown individuals arrived at the residence in a blue SUV. This in-person meeting came after communication the night before when the victim was informed their bank account was compromised and instructed to withdraw an undisclosed amount of money and place it into a “Bitcoin ATM” for “safekeeping.” After complying, another request for additional funds was made. This time, the victim was told that a “courier” would come to pick up the cash in person. When the individuals posing as couriers arrived, DCSO was called for assistance. Upon arrival, DCSO Patrol Units detained and arrested the pair without further incident.
Arrest Information:
Crystal Brooks, 58 years of age of Fayetteville, NC
Rudraksh Rawat, 20, also of Fayetteville
Both subjects are charged with Felony Conspiracy and Obtain Property by False Pretense. They are being held in the Durham County Detention Facility on a $15,000 secured bond.Anyone with information regarding this incident or who feels they may have been a victim of a similar scam are asked to contact the Durham County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 919-560-0880.
Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead reminds citizens of important public safety tips to avoid falling to this type of crime:
• Banks, the courts, and law enforcement will not call you and request payment for fines, fees, or to avoid arrest.These organizations do not take payments in gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• If someone contacts you either claiming to need immediate payment or asking you not to speak to anyone about what’s happening (or threatens you), just hang up.
• Never provide someone who contacts you with personal or financial information.
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