Investigation underway after Olmsted County woman loses $42K in a month to scammer
[MGN Images]
An investigation is underway after the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office reported a woman lost $42,500 in one month after a scammer contacted her.
Hubbard Broadcasting sister station KAAL-TV reported the 54-year-old woman met the scammer, who claimed to be a gold and diamond buyer in London, online.
Olmsted County Sheriff Scott Behrns told KAAL-TV the woman sent the scammer money orders and gift cards totaling $42,500, reportedly in an effort to help the man with his financial situation.
The bank that received the funds contacted the woman about the suspicious nature of the transaction, KAAL-TV reported. The woman’s bank, as well as the bank receiving the funds, is investigating the incident with law enforcement officials.
The FBI recommends the following tips to prevent internet crime, particularly related to phishing:
- Be suspicious of any unsolicited email or message requesting personal information and don’t click on anything in an unsolicited message.
- Examine the email address, any URLs and spelling used in any correspondence. Scammers use slight differences to trick your eye and gain your trust, the FBI states.
- Be careful what you download; never open an email attachment from someone you don’t know.
- Set up two-step authentication on your accounts.
- Be careful what information you share online and on social media.
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Brooklyn Center Police warns public about COVID-19 phishing scam on Facebook and WhatsApp
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Anoka County Sheriff’s Office warns of scammers impersonating law enforcement
Scammers disguised as security system salespeople reported around the metro