Reno Police say a bomb threat that prompted an evacuation at a Wells Fargo bank on South Meadows Parkway Monday was the result of an elaborate scam, and the person briefly detained was actually a victim.
Officers responded around 2:30 p.m. on Monday, after Wells Fargo employees reported that a person inside the branch might be carrying a bomb.
Police secured the area, evacuated customers and staff, and detained the individual safely.
Investigators later determined the person had been targeted by a scammer posing as a Wells Fargo employee.
According to the Reno Police, the scammer called the victim and instructed the person to go to the bank and withdraw money.
While still on the phone with the scammer, the victim handed his phone to a Wells Fargo employee to confirm whether the caller truly worked for the bank.
At that point, police say, the scammer pivoted and falsely told the Wells Fargo employee that the victim who had just walked in was carrying a bomb, triggering the emergency response.
Police released the person detained after it was determined that they were the actual victim and had been deceived in the scam.
“This incident is a reminder to always verify who is contacting you, especially when something feels suspicious,” Reno Police said. “If you receive a questionable call, hang up and contact the business directly or call the Reno Police Department’s non-emergency line for assistance.”
