Different version of a computer scam

Scammers continue to use the same stories (lies) but in this case, instead of threatening the potential victim, the perpetrator offered a refund for a computer purchase she had made. 

Thankfully, when the person targeted by the scammer went to the Spokane Valley Target to purchase gift cards to reimburse a fictitious overpayment of the refund, the store employees advised the would-be victim they thought this was a possible scam.

On March 8, 2018, Crime Check received a report of another scam. The potential victim of this scam received a call from a male stating she was due a refund for a past computer purchase.  The scammer continued and was persistent, eventually convincing her to grant him access to her computer and provide the name of her bank. 

The scammer claimed he accidently deposited $2,500 into her account and convinced the potential victim to purchase gift cards at a local store to reimburse the mistake. When she arrived at the Spokane Valley Target store to purchase the gift cards, the store employees confirmed her suspicions this was a scam before the transaction could be completed. 

The scammer hung up as the incident was being reported to Crime Check using the store phone. 

Luckily, in this case, the potential victim became suspicious and the store employees confirmed the probability of a scam, possibly saving her the loss of her money. 

Don’t be intimidated or convinced to ever provide access to a computer, personal banking information or to pay anyone or any company with gift or prepaid credit cards.  It’s your money, don’t let some scammer convince or scare you into giving it to them.     

 

Reader Comments(0)