On December 15, 2016 Deputy M.L. Johnson spoke to a subject who believed he had been victimized by a Craigslist fraud. The man explained he had located a 1994 Ford Bronco on Craigslist that was selling for $1,500. He expressed interest in purchasing the vehicle and received an email which appeared to be from an eBay address (buyer@ebaypurchaser.com.) The correspondence instructed him to buy $1,500 worth of Target Gift Cards and provide the card information. The sale was “confirmed” and the victim was then advised that due to the size of the purchase another $1,000 worth of insurance would be required. He then purchased an additional $1,000 gift card. He was assured that the insurance money would be refunded once the vehicle was safely delivered. All during the transaction, the victim believed that the vehicle was being purchased through EBay and would be covered by their buyer protection rules and regulations.
Once $2,500 worth of gift card information was sent, all communication ceased. When the victim tried to file a claim through EBay he was told that this was not an EBay transaction. Target advised the victim that gift cards are like cash and a refund would not be provided.
The investigation into the incident continues. The Sheriff’s Office advises to be particularly careful when purchasing any product online. Gift cards are not a form of currency that established businesses use for payment. Fraudulent email addresses, websites and URL’s are designed to look exactly like the brands that customers trust. Call the Sheriff’s Office to report anything suspicious by using the non-emergency number 540-658-4400.
