The Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office has taken two separate reports of scams where citizens were swindled out of large sums of money in the past two weeks.
On Monday, April 27, the first report from an elderly Empire Township female was received and then on April 29, a second report was received from an elderly Leland Township female.
Both of these victims had fallen prey to illegitimate actors and were both scammed out of more than $25,000 each.
Both victims were led to believe that their personal information had been compromised by responding to pop-up messages on their computers. Once they called the phone number provided, they were instructed to remove funds from their bank accounts in order to protect them.
The bad actors in the scams pose as Federal Trade Commission agents in order to persuade the victims to hand over their money for safe keeping. After getting the funds from their bank accounts, a Federal Trade Commission agent is dispatched to their homes to pick up the cash.
Both victims describe the suspect, whom arrived at their residence, as a very charming African American male in his 20’s with dreadlocks. After the initial exchange, the victims were re-contacted by the suspects who attempted to get more money from them.
Although both victims saw many red flags during the encounters, the perpetrators were very convincing and believable.
Investigation into both incidents continues but the Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that situations of this nature are happening every day.
Contact by government or law enforcement officials via the computer, mail or telephone looking for personal information and/or funds is never done.
Always remain vigilant with your information and always verify who you are dealing with.
