On December 20th, 2022, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a scam. The investigation determined the scam took place involving the social media platform, Facebook, and the digital wallet, Venmo. The victim was selling items via the Facebook marketplace. A price was agreed upon and the money exchange would take place through Venmo.
During the money exchange the suspect falsified emails and other documents to appear Venmo support was contacting the victim. The suspect then began requesting money from the victim as an insurance to confirm the transaction was legitimate. The suspect also used different accounts.
The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind people there are numerous scams out there. Scammers tend to pray on the good will/nature of people. Most scams are taking place via the internet and web-based applications. Scammers can hide behind the computer and put up a façade. We ask people to do research and due diligence on their transactions and dealing through Facebook marketplace, Venmo, and Cash App.
Scammers will use several accounts with different names. They will over promise items or money which will never arrive. Scammers also resort to pressuring and sometimes rising to the level of threats to get the resources they are looking for.
Please never give out personal or banking information over the phone or internet. Attempt to have face to face interactions when you can.
***A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.****