Vikings Rookie Dallas Turner duped in $240K bank scam amid rise in athlete-targeted frauds | NFL News
Minnesota Vikings rookie Dallas Turner has fallen victim to a high-stakes bank fraud scheme that cost him $240,000. The linebacker was allegedly tricked into transferring funds after a scammer posed as a JPMorgan Chase representative. Police say the incident highlights a growing wave of financial crimes targeting professional athletes across the U.S. The case is under active investigation by Eagan, Minnesota authorities after Turner reported the February 19 incident.
Fake banker claimed identity theft, urged defensive transfers
As detailed in The Minnesota Star Tribune, a caller told Turner that someone was impersonating him at a Chase branch. The impostor allegedly used two fake IDs in Turner’s name to authorize a wire transfer from his bank account. “Through our investigation, several suspects have been identified, and we are working toward criminal charges to hold them accountable,” said Eagan Police Sgt. Rich Evans in a statement to ESPN.The caller then convinced Turner that he needed to act fast to safeguard his funds from the alleged theft. Turner visited two Chase branches and wired $120,000 each to two businesses: Island Food Truck LLC and CNL FL LLC. The caller “claimed someone was attempting to impersonate [Turner] at a Chase Bank branch in Arizona and presented two copies of ID to execute a wire transfer,” the affidavit states via Star Tribune.
Rising trend: Pro athletes targeted by elaborate financial scams
The case sheds light on a troubling trend: scammers increasingly targeting high-profile athletes and young rookies. Social engineering, fake banking calls, phishing, and identity theft are being used to trick players out of huge sums. Athletes, especially recent draft picks like Turner, often face financial risks with limited fraud awareness. The Vikings rookie, a former Alabama standout, is yet to publicly comment on the reported loss.Also read: Will Tom Brady step into Jurassic Park with Tiger Woods in a bold $10B push to revive an extinct giant?Turner was the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and is expected to anchor Minnesota’s defense this season. As the investigation unfolds, the NFL community is once again reminded of how vulnerable its stars can be. Financial advisors warn that scams like these are becoming more frequent—and more convincing.
