Woman With Disabilities Targeted in Online Money Scam

An online relationship has once again left a vulnerable woman out hundreds of dollars after caregivers say she continued sending money and personal information to a man she met on Instagram despite previous warnings. Deputies were called to investigate after caregivers with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities reported ongoing concerns involving one of the people in their care. According to the report, the woman had been communicating with a man through Instagram for several months. Caregivers told deputies a nearly identical incident involving the same man had occurred about six months earlier. At that time, the woman stopped communicating with him for only a few weeks before resuming contact. Investigators learned the woman had sent the man photographs of her work debit card and transferred money using Apple Pay. The reported transactions included $27.95 on July 4 and $104.27 on July 17, for a total loss of $132.22. Caregivers also reported that the woman had shared her Social Security number with the man. Fortunately, they had already taken several steps to limit any additional damage. The woman's debit card was canceled and replaced, Social Security officials were contacted, and the major credit bureaus were notified in an effort to protect her identity. Deputies collected screenshots and other electronic evidence as part of the investigation. Scammers Often Target Vulnerable Adults Law enforcement says scammers frequently seek out older adults and people with intellectual or developmental disabilities because they may be more trusting of strangers online. These scams often begin with friendly conversations on social media before gradually turning into requests for money or personal information. Warning signs include: Asking for debit or credit card information. Requesting money through Apple Pay, Cash App, Venmo, or gift cards. Asking for Social Security numbers or banking information. Claiming financial emergencies. Encouraging victims to keep the relationship secret from family or caregivers. If you care for a vulnerable adult, experts recommend regularly reviewing bank accounts, monitoring online activity when appropriate, discussing common scams, and acting quickly if personal information has been shared. Even relatively small financial losses can be the beginning of a much larger identity theft scheme if scammers obtain enough personal information.

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