MERRILL, WI (WSAU) — Another pair of scams were reported in Lincoln County last week costing residents a combined $4,600.
Sheriff’s officials say one resident in the Town of Merrill was taken for $1,200 when a scammer called them claiming to be from a computer virus protection agency and requested remote access to the victims PC. The victim granted access, and the scammer then requested $900 via gift cards as payment after the job was completed.
After the man realized he’d been bamboozled, he discovered another $300 was missing from his bank account thanks to malware that was placed on his machine by the scammer. Officials are investigating that incident but say the money is likely unrecoverable.
Later in the week, an Irma man was the victim of a Craigslist scam involving a jet ski and trailer. According to the victim he had been communicating with someone who had posted the items for sale on the site. After they had settled on a price, the seller requested payment in the form of Best Buy gift cards. After turning over the card numbers, the seller promised to deliver the jet ski and trailer on Saturday but it never arrived.
According to the victim, the seller would only communicate via email. Again, deputies are continuing to investigate the incident but again say the money will likely be untraceable.
Officers emphasize that legitimate businesses will never demand payment by gift cards, and to conduct online sale transactions in person at a safe location such as a public space or local law enforcement station.
