A Windom resident had already sent $2,000 worth of gift cards and, later, had sent to a scammer $10,000 in cash via Federal Express.
And, although the gift cards were not recovered, the resident was able to get the package containing $10,000 returned by Federal Express before it reached the final destination.
According to Windom police, which assisted the resident in this case, here is how the scam worked. The scammer was able to convince the Windom woman that in order to secure a Social Security related service, the woman needed to send gift cards and then $10,000 via Federal Express. Once the cash was received, a Social Security agent would come to the woman’s house.
For some reason, a Social Security officer in Texas caught wind of the scam and contacted local authorities, who then contacted the woman. Apparently, the contact was made just soon enough to avoid a $10,000 loss.
If you have been the target of a scam, your first contact should be the local authorities. Also, feel free to contact us with details (we can keep your name confidential, if you wish).
Send your story to: rahnl@windomnews.com, or call 507-831-3455. Stories will appear in an upcoming edition and in our Thursday noon website report (or immediately online). By sharing your story, you may prevent others from being scammed.
Watch www.windomnews.com for regular weekday updates at 8 a.m./noon/5 p.m., plus BREAKING stories at other times. Follow CoCoCitizen @CitPub on Twitter.
