Scam claims another victim

A Jamestown woman reported losing more than $6,000 after she wired it, thinking she’d won a contest, according to the Jamestown Police Department.

The 60-year-old told police she wired $6,331 earlier this month.

Police say they receive reports of similar scams every week. Scammers tell victims by mail, e-mail or phone false accounts like the victim has won a contest or a had wealthy relative passed away. To obtain the money, the scammer asks the victim to first wire money to pay taxes, fees or some other bogus charge.

Residents here fall victim to scams like this two or three times a year, said Police Chief David Donegan.

Law enforcement officials warn residents about wiring money. Only wire money if it’s to an individual you know, they said. Once the money is wired, law enforcement officials rarely can retrieve it.

Tags: local news, news, scam