The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is again warning residents to be leery of anyone notifying citizens that they won or are due money that can only be received via the purchase of gift cards or prepaid debit cards.
An Islamorada man reported recently that he was scammed out of $11,200 by someone called him claiming to be a representative of his Internet provider. The caller said that because the man was such a good customer, he would be receiving a $800 refund to be deposited directly into his savings account.
The caller added there was a problem and that they made a mistake by depositing $8,000 into his account. He was instructed to buy $7,200 in Best Buy gift cards. The man told Upper Keys Road Patrol Deputy Yunier Galvez he went to the Best Buy in Florida City — the caller stayed online with him the entire time — where he purchased $4,000 in gift cards, the limit on his credit card.
The caller then instructed him to get the remainder of the amount on the next day.
The man was instructed to go to the Best Buy in Pinecrest to purchase $4,000 in gift cards as there was a computer problem with his earlier purchase. The man also returned to the Florida City Best Busy and bought $3,200 in additional cards. Once the man realized it was a scam, it was too late to cancel the transactions.
Detective Sgt. Mark Coleman reminds residents that anyone who contacts them regarding the transfer of funds via gift cards, Green Dot prepaid debit cards, Western Union transfers or any similar transaction are likely involved in a scam as legitimate businesses do not collect funds in such ways. Residents are urged to hang up and notify law enforcement.
This scam has been reported numerous times in the Florida Keys and is a popular technique used by criminals.
Anyone with information about crimes should contact the Sheriff’s Office. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys. If a Crime Stoppers tip leads to an arrest, the caller would be eligible for a cash reward.
The Crime Stoppers hot line number is 1-800-346-TIPS. Tips may be made anonymously on line at http://www.P3tips.com/139.