Beware of Phone Scammers Using Social Media

New York State Police are warning upstate New York residents of telephone scams involving social media:

There have been reports of individuals receiving phone calls from a person pretending to be a relative or friend stating that they are in trouble and that they require immediate financial assistance. The perpetrator will request a sum of money be transferred via Western Union to a location which is typically out of the country.

It is believed that the person(s) involved in this scheme, obtain the victim's personal information via social networking websites such as MySpace or Facebook. The suspect(s) are able to obtain information as to where the friend or relative may be vacationing to add legitimacy to the call.

Posting information on when you will be vacationing invites the possibility of criminal activity and makes an excellent tool for criminals to plan their activities.