Another day and it seems like another scam here in Southern Minnesota. This scam is different from the ones we are familiar with in that gruesome images are sent to the victims. The Le Sueur Police Department recently posted the scam on their Facebook page warning residents to fall victim to this new scam. 

The Le Sueur Police took a report recently that a person had received a message from an unknown individual on social media. The unknown individual, most likely a fake profile/account then sent the victim "gruesome pictures of people being dismembered and murdered violently and in turn demanding payment or threatening harm to the victims and their families."

KEYC-TV in Mankato reported recently that "Hispanic families seem to be the main target for the unknown individuals." It is unknown as to why the Hispanic population is being targeted by this scam.

The Minnesota Attorney Generals Office has some helpful tips on how to spot a scam that you might find useful the next time you are in an unsure situation.

If have fallen victim to a social media scam here is what you need to do:

  • Stop all contact with the scam artist and block his or her phone numbers, instant messages, and email addresses.
  • Keep copies of all communications.
  • Report the matter to the social media website.
  • Report the matter to your local police department.
  • Report the matter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx/.
  • Report the matter to the Federal Trade Commission as follows:
    (877) 382-4357 or go to www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov

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