FERNDALE, Wash. — Two local residents are out tens of thousands of dollars after they were taken in by email scams.
City of Ferndale Communications Officer Riley Sweeney reports the scammers claimed to represent legitimate businesses.
The elderly victims were convinced they needed to send money to correct account problems.
They made payments with both wire transfers and gift cards, and lost a combined total of more than $50,000.
The Ferndale Police Department reminds people to always independently check with businesses when receiving these types of claims.
Demands to make payments using wire transfers or gift cards should also raise suspicions.
Report suspected fraud to police or use the contact information below:
General Fraud:
Contact the FBI at (202) 324-3000 or online at www.fbi.gov or tips.fbi.gov
Health Care, Medicare/Medicaid Fraud:
Contact the Dept. Health & Human Services at 1-800-HHS-TIPS or online at www.oig.hhs.gov
Internet Fraud & Lottery/Sweepstakes Fraud by Internet:
Contact the Ferndale Police Department at 911 or email contact@ferndalepd.org