One of the most effective tools for scammers–the photo of an existing local resident–was at the center of a recent Facebook scam reported to Citizen Online.
A Windom woman reported receiving a call from her cousin’s wife stating she had been conned, thanks to a photo received via Facebook Messenger. The photo was of the Windom woman and included a message urging her cousin to apply for a $200,000 “AHR Grant.”
“The message stated that I had been successful in getting the grant,” the Windom woman said. “So, she filled out a form using all kinds of information, including her Social Security number.”
Upon receiving any message through Facebook Messenger, keep in mind that people’s Facebook accounts are often hacked. The hackers can use that information to help get photos and a Messenger account. Before giving out information (or making payments), it’s a good idea to make at least one more personal contact with the sender.
Send your story to: rahnl@windomnews.com, or call 507-831-3455. Stories will appear in an upcoming edition and in a Thursday website report. By sharing your story, you may prevent others from being scammed.
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