Woman, 88, Lost $27K In Tech Support Scam: Manatee County Sheriff

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — An 88-year-old woman lost more than $27,000 in a tech support scam, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office news release.

The victim was convinced to meet up with the scammers and hand over large payments of cash after she was duped into believing that her computer was used to authorize a transaction for child porn, the sheriff’s office said.

The scammers told her that if she didn’t pay, she would face criminal charges, and her information would be made public.

The scam began when a message popped up on her computer screen from what appeared to be Apple Support, indicating threats to her Mac security, HCSO said.

The woman called the listed phone number and spoke to a person who told her she was being investigated by federal authorities and her financial data was at risk.

Over several days, the victim was advised to create new bank accounts and directed to wire money to those accounts, the sheriff’s office said. She was then convinced to withdraw cash and hand deliver envelopes with the money to unknown subjects at the community gate where she lives.

Investigators warn people to contact their local law enforcement if they encounter this scam.

“Fraudsters are using this tactic to first scare vulnerable victims into thinking they have a problem with their computer, then create fear of public humiliation and a threat of criminal prosecution to steal their money,” the sheriff’s office said.