The Chadron Police Department has become aware of a possible scam involving Facebook. There has been a reported hacked account of a local resident, which tells victims about how they can receive money from the Worker’s Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). The victims are referred to the WCAB Facebook page and messaged by an “Agent.” This agent requests personal information and also a large sum of cash to be wired to another state, as a shipping fee. The amount promised to one victim was $80,000, to be shipped by UPS. While there is a legitimate Worker’s Compensation Appeals Board, the WCAB Facebook page is operating as a scam. “You can help protect yourself and others from scams like this by following these simple guidelines,” says Officer Klemp.
- Makes an offer that sounds too good to be true
- Promises that you can win money, make money, or borrow money easily
- Asks for money to enter a contest, win a sweepstakes or lottery, or claim a prize
- Refuses to send you written information before you agree to buy or donate
- Refuses to give you a physical address
- Refuses to give you the details of the offer before you make any payment
- Requests your bank account or credit card number when you are not making a purchase with that account
- Uses scare tactics or pressure to act immediately
- Insists that you wire money or have a courier pick up your payment
- Refuses to stop calling after you’ve asked not to be called again
- Contacts you to ask for personal information the company already has
- Gives you a check or money order and asks you to send some of the money somewhere
- If you suspect a fake account is impersonating someone you know, report it to Facebook
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