Elderly Manatee Woman Loses Over $27,000 in Elaborate Tech Support Scam

A tech support scam has cost an elderly Manatee County woman more than $27,000 after she was manipulated into believing she was implicated in a serious criminal investigation. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Fraud Detectives are actively investigating the case, in which the scammers convinced the woman to hand over large sums of money under the threat of criminal charges and public humiliation.

The scam began when the victim received a pop-up message on her computer that appeared to come from Apple Support, warning her of security threats to her Mac. The message contained a phone number, which the woman called. A fraudster on the other end convinced her that her computer had been used to authorize a transaction for child pornography, claiming federal authorities were investigating her and that her financial data was at risk.

Over the course of several days, the scammer advised the victim to open new bank accounts and wire large sums of money. Eventually, the woman was instructed to withdraw cash and personally deliver envelopes to unknown individuals near her home, completing the con.

MCSO detectives warn that this scam is designed to prey on fear, particularly among vulnerable individuals, by fabricating threats of criminal prosecution and public exposure. They encourage anyone who encounters similar situations to contact law enforcement immediately.

The MCSO also provided tips for protecting oneself from these types of scams:

- Ensure computer security, anti-virus, and malware protection are up to date.

- Avoid acting hastily, especially under pressure from strangers claiming urgent action is needed.

- Never give remote access to your devices or accounts unless the person is verified.

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to this scam, officials advise notifying law enforcement, contacting your financial institutions, and changing all passwords on affected devices.

For more information on common scams, visit the MCSO website.

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