A scam artist got a surprise when they tried to defraud one of our own
Recently, someone tried to scam our webmaster, and it didn't go as they probably expected.
We wanted to share the experience here so readers could see an example of how such a scam works.
Notice the grammatical errors, which are often a good sign that something is a scam.
Also notice that even after they've been called out, they persist in trying to scam the potential victim.
The scammer started by spoofing the webmaster's stepmother's Facebook page. They then sent an instant message pretending to be the stepmother, and, well... You can follow it for yourself below.
If you've been subjected to a scam attempt like this, please contact the Norfolk Sheriff's Office's Consumer Protection Unit to file a report.
Are you considering using cryptocurrency? Be careful! Crypto-fraud is surging
Have you ever been asked to make a payment to someone using cryptocurrency? Many people see this as a secure and confidential way to provide funds to another person, but be aware! Bad actors are out here and they want to exploit your interest and willingness.
The increased use of various forms of cryptocurrency has enabled cybercriminals to prey on victims in much the same way as in all scams except instead of traditional bank transfers or use of gift or money-pak type cards the object is your crypto assets. DO NOT engage with anyone you don’t have the ability to vet or see in person. Deposits into the black hole of a “wallet” in cyberworld have disappeared in the millions with our senior citizens especially targeted. Look out for the following;
Investment opportunities with crypto using an unvetted entity;
Fake lawyers and investigators who state they can recover lost crypto through a scam- it is another scam;
Supposed “misdirected “ texts that are actually calculated to have you respond and engage you- delete them
Fake Linked In or Indeed “jobs” involving crypto that are actually seeking people to unwittingly assist in money laundering through crypto transfers
Fake posts on realty sites wherein scammers pose as realtors and seek “deposits” for properties they do not represent.
Job sites are havens for people looking for your information- protect that in any way you can.
Before you use cryptocurrency to make any payments, you should learn more about how crypto-fraud works. The links below will take you to webpages with much more information.
Looking for a rental? Bad actors may be trying to scam you
The Norfolk Sheriff's Office recently received a law enforcement bulletin warning about rental fraud schemes being perpetrated across the country. We have received reports from residents of this happening locally as well.
Zillow - a national rental assistance company - has a lot of great information and tips on their website to avoid such scams.
The main warning signs they highlight are:
The opportunity is too good to be true
Pressure to send personal information or money before you’ve seen the property
Requests to send payment using untraceable payment methods
The person listing the rental is unwilling to meet
You can’t verify the property is actually for rent
Some recent examples shared by federal law enforcement agencies were:
• June 2023 - California criminal actors operated two fraudulent US businesses and posted fake rental property listings throughout the United States. One fraudulent US business listed 331 fake rental units and another US business listed 1,842 fake rental units.
• May 2023 - a separate group of California criminal actors impersonated a licensed California real estate agent to defraud prospective tenants by posting fake rental properties in the San Diego area on a known US marketplace website. The criminal actors also operated a real estate company whose website indicated it was located in San Diego. After inquiring about fake listings, victims were instructed to complete fraudulent leases and send security deposits via wire transfers. Once the criminal actors acquired the funds, they ceased all communications with the victims.
• April 2022 - unidentified criminal actors committed rental property schemes across the United States by re-advertising legitimate rental listings, independent of the original listings. The criminal actors collected application information, fees, and rent until the scam was revealed. The criminal actors used the personally identifiable information acquired from the victims of fraudulent rental applications to facilitate additional fraud activities. Between 2019 and 2022, criminal actors targeted between 50 and 100 rental properties.
• November 2021 - New Mexico real estate professionals saw an increase in rental property fraud in their area. One real estate agent discovered that one of their sale listings was also listed as available for rent by unknown posters on legitimate real estate sites. The contact number for the property listing was unknown to the real estate agent.
According to Zillow, these are some tip for how to avoid rental scams when you’re searching for a rental:
Confirm the property listing is legitimate
Verify the identity of the listing contact
Visit the property in person, or send someone you trust
Have you ever been asked to make a payment to someone using cryptocurrency? Many people see this as a secure and confidential way to provide funds to another person, but be aware! Bad actors are out here and they want to exploit your interest and willingness.
The Norfolk Sheriff's Office recently received a law enforcement bulletin warning about rental fraud schemes being perpetrated across the country. We have received reports from residents of this happening locally as well.