Alexandria woman scammed of $15K by ‘friend’ with compromised Facebook account

Alexandria Police are investigating the scamming theft of more than $15,000 from a woman who says she believed she was applying for a Community Services Block Grant.

The victim reported that she was contacted by a Facebook friend on July 24, and was unaware that her friend’s profile was compromised. The supposed friend told the victim that she was eligible for a $100,000 CSBG grant, and then referred her to a grant agent named Thomas Johnson, police said in a search warrant affidavit.

“The agent then required (the victim) to purchase numerous gift cards from Apple and eBay to complete the grant transaction on numerous occasions between July 24, 2021, and August 4, 2021,” police said in a search warrant.

The victim ended up buying $12,900 in Apple gift cards and $2,300 in eBay gift cards, police said.

On August 20, police tweeted about various methods scammers will use.

⚠️🚨Scammers will do anything to get your money.💲 Here are some tips to help you protect yourself.#ScamAlert pic.twitter.com/9bJtlAumfU

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) August 20, 2021

The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office also recently warned residents about scammers, and victims are encouraged to report incidents to the police at 703-746-4444.

SCAM ALERT! If you get a call from someone saying they work for the Sheriff’s Office and that you have to pay money because of a warrant or any other reason, HANG UP! Real law enforcement agencies in Virginia will never call and demand money. https://t.co/ttDvQGooHN

— Alexandria Sheriff (@AlexVASheriff) August 23, 2021