Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant warns of social media scams

Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Devereaux Johnson made the public aware of not one but two scams that have recently appeared on social media sites. 

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Johnson told listeners these scams have one goal in mind but use two separate techniques to achieve the goal of getting personal information from the victim. 

One technique uses photos of a home located in a local city or town. Once the user’s interest is captured and they open the page, the internal photos of the home are usually stock photos of a much more expensive home with a low listed rental price. This is done to entice the potential victim. Should the potential victim click a link to apply for the rental, the application appears and requests personal information. This is known as “phishing.”

The personal information is then used by scammers to steal identities and access or apply for credit cards, bank accounts, open accounts to commit further frauds and even file for tax returns. 

If you feel that you or someone you care for has been victimized through this or another scam through social media, telephone or the mail system, contact the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office at 307-672-3455.