Cleveland County authorities say a local woman was recently the victim of an Internet scam where she picked up Walmart items purchased with stolen credit card numbers and shipped them across the country.
The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office asked residents this week for help identifying a woman seen pushing a shopping cart in the local Walmart, in connection to an investigation involving credit card fraud cases.
“It turns out she was scammed by a man over the Internet,” said Sheriff’s Office Detective Jessica Woosley. “He claimed to be overseas and needed money for various things. She did, in fact, send him money after some time.”
Woosley said the man asked the woman to pick up items he purchased from Walmart.
“These items were purchased with stolen credit card numbers, and she had no knowledge of that. She sent these items to the address he provided across the country.”
Woosley said the woman will not face charges because she was unaware of the scam the man was conducting.
Woosley said authorities warn residents to beware such scams.
“Be cautious with online associates and their personal information,” she said. “These types of criminals prey on the elderly and emotionally vulnerable men and women. Please be aware of the information you share online.”
Have info for authorities?
If you think you were subject to a similar scam or have other information for authorities, call 704-484-4888 or 704-481-8477.