Centralia victim put $120K into AI investment scam, police say

May 18-Employees at a local financial institution recently stopped a $70,000 wire transfer intended for a phony AI-assisted investment service, according to the Centralia Police Department.

Police said the victim had already unknowingly put $120,000 into the scam.

According to the department's May 16 press log, the victim was first lured into the scam after clicking a Facebook ad offering "AI-assisted stock investing."

The victim reportedly paid an initial $250 for the service, known as Quantum AI.

The scammer reached out soon after, pretending to be a financial advisor.

The victim reportedly invested $120,000 into the service. The scammer responded by showing the victim a fake portfolio with a value of over $1 million.

"When the victim visited a financial institution to wire an additional $70,000, vigilant employees refused to approve the transaction," the department said.

Police reportedly responded to the incident in the 1100 block of Harrison Avenue at about 11:50 a.m. May 15.

An officer and detective ultimately proved to the victim that the AI-assisted service was not real, according to the department.

The losses, however, could be.

"Many such scams originate overseas and the money is nearly impossible to recover," the department said. "If you have any questions about whether any service is fraudulent or a scam, be sure to check with your bank and/or law enforcement."

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