ATHENS, Georgia – Two Athens women have recently reported being victims of separate scams, highlighting the growing prevalence of online and social media fraud. The incidents, reported to Athens-Clarke police on November 4th but withheld until late November, involved significant financial losses for both individuals.
Online Job Scam Targets 73-Year-Old Woman
A 73-year-old Athens woman reported losing $10,000 after falling for an online job scam. The woman had applied for a position that promised payment for rating applications. According to police reports, she had been sending money to the alleged company since July, under the impression that it was a prerequisite for receiving her weekly pay of $700.
“She said that she was unaware that she would have to put money in order to receive her pay,” the police report stated. Despite her substantial payments, the woman has not received any compensation for her work or reimbursement for the money she sent. The investigating officer advised her to cease sending any further funds to the alleged scammers.
Facebook Rental Scam Defrauds 64-Year-Old Woman of $4,700
In a separate incident, a 64-year-old Athens woman was scammed out of $4,700 while searching for a house to rent. In September, she posted a message on Facebook indicating her interest in finding a rental property. She subsequently received a reply about an available house and was instructed to provide $4,700 for the rental.
The victim sent the money via gift cards, and a meeting was scheduled for her to receive the keys to the property. The house was reportedly located on Town Square Court, though the exact address was not provided to the victim. However, prior to the scheduled meetup, the scammer demanded an additional $5,000 to secure the rental. It was at this point that the woman realized she was being scammed and reported the incident to the police.
Unidentified Scammers and Police Investigation
As of now, the individuals responsible for these scams have not been identified. Athens-Clarke police are continuing their investigation into both cases. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with online interactions, particularly when financial transactions are involved.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution when encountering online job offers or rental advertisements, especially those that require upfront payments or involve unusual payment methods like gift cards. Verifying the legitimacy of companies and individuals, as well as conducting thorough research before making any financial commitments, is crucial in preventing similar incidents.
These recent reports underscore the importance of vigilance and skepticism in the digital age, where scammers constantly evolve their tactics to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the local authorities.
Source: https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/crime/2025/12/02/athens-women-fall-victim-to-online-and-social-media-fraud/87513753007/
