Urgent Alert: Fake Navy Federal Scam Leads to $19K Cash Shipment

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A Fort Walton Beach resident narrowly avoided losing tens of thousands of dollars after falling victim to a sophisticated phone scam, thanks to quick action by local law enforcement and regional partners.

According to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, officers responded on January 17, 2026, to a report of possible fraud involving a caller impersonating an employee of Navy Federal Credit Union. The victim told police she initially received a call from a woman identifying herself as “Sarah,” who claimed the victim’s bank account had been compromised.

The caller instructed the victim to transfer $1,200 to Cash App to “secure” the account. Believing the call to be legitimate, the victim complied.

The following day, the victim received another call — this time from a man also claiming to represent Navy Federal Credit Union. He instructed her to withdraw $19,000 in cash and overnight the money to an address in Fort Pierce, Florida. The victim again followed the instructions and shipped the cash.

Later that same day, the victim became suspicious and contacted the Fort Walton Beach Police Department.

Through coordinated efforts between patrol officers, the Criminal Investigations Unit, the Evidence Unit, and assistance from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, authorities were able to track the shipment and intercept the package at the FedEx facility in Mossy Head. The full $19,000 in cash was recovered and returned to the victim.

Police are now using the case as a warning to the public about ongoing bank impersonation scams.

Officials urge residents to immediately hang up if someone claims to be calling from their bank and instead contact the financial institution directly using the phone number listed on official statements or bank cards. Law enforcement also emphasized that legitimate banks will never ask customers to mail cash.