The Audubon County Sheriff’s Department is warning county residents of a scam that took place over this past week, with over $30,000 being conned from an Audubon County resident. Last Thursday, the victim was contacted by phone, asking if this person purchased a laptop computer off of Amazon, as it was apparently delivered to an address in New York. The resident said no purchase like that was made by them, and they were thought to be directed to the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Protection. This individual was directed to withdraw $32,000 in cash to assist in the catching of the subject and was told to meet the individual at a local business. The resident did as was asked, and described the subject as a middle eastern male with short black hair, and believed to be around 35 years old. The suspect was driving a black 2-door Hyundai car with black tape holding the front passenger side bumper on. The victim did not see a license plate on the car. On Friday and Saturday, the victim received more calls from a male claiming to be from the US Marshalls Office, advising that he had the cash but directing her to buy some gold as well. When the victim declined, the caller informed the victim that there was a warrant for her arrest for not cooperating. The scam is still under investigation, and the Division of Criminal Investigation, Fusion Center and the Attorney General- Consumer Protection Division is assisting the sheriff’s department with the investigation. The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind individuals to never give out any personal information over the phone and to always check with law enforcement to verify any situations.
