Salina Post
A bad actor scammed an 18-year old over $400 in an online transaction through Facebook Marketplace.
According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Wednesday at 7:00 pm, a report was made from an 18-year old woman about a scam she was a victim of.
Reportedly that same day, the victim was selling an item on Facebook Marketplace and got in contact with an individual interested in buying the product. The suspect asked if they could pay for the product online, and the woman agreed.
She provided her Venmo account and shortly after, the suspect indicated there was a "hold on her account."
Subsequently, the victim received a text from "Venmo Support" and got in contact with an individual. This suspect told the victim she needed to send the suspect $250 via Chime.
However, she sent $210 to the suspect through Cash App. The suspect then said they will reimburse the money through Bitcoin, and at this time the victim suspected she was being scammed.
She then asked the suspect to send the money back, and did not comply.
The victim then disconnected communication with the suspect and contacted SPD.
She was out a total of $460.
According to SPD, they contacted Venmo and released a statement regarding this scam.
They confirmed at no time will Venmo hold a payment or demand and additional amount of money, in order for a transaction to process.
Salina Police Department: (785) 826-7210
Saline County Sheriff's Office: (785) 826-6500