Social Media Scam

A recent social media scam is circulating in the area.  A victim recently told authorities that she was messaged on social media by someone who appeared to be a friend of hers from out of state. The individual sent a link to buy gift cards and then told the victim that she could make money by selling them. The victim paid $10 through a cash app and then an additional $5 in order to make more with the promise that the victim could make $100 in return.  The victim was sent a code in an email in order to verify her information. The code was given; whereupon the victim’s social media accounts were accessed. The victim was locked out of the accounts and in order for the victim to gain access to that account, a payment of $200 was required. The victim contacted law enforcement and the social media website to report that her account had been hacked. The victim notified her bank as well.  If you receive an email, text, or instant message on social media from a friend or family member with some type of offer or they need money for some reason, take some time to speak directly to that person in order to verify that it is them. A few minutes can save you trouble in the long run or prevent you from suffering financial loss.