News Summary
The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia narrowly escaped a financial scam involving a fraudulent invoice, while a Winterville resident lost $7,000 to a similar scheme. The Food Bank’s staff discovered a suspicious invoice from a business in Texas, prompting an investigation. Meanwhile, a local woman was manipulated into wiring money during a fake Norton antivirus renewal call. These incidents highlight the importance of vigilance against fraud in the community and the ongoing efforts to prevent such crimes.
Athens-Clarke County, Georgia – The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia narrowly avoided a significant financial scam targeting the organization, while a local resident fell prey to a separate fraudulent scheme. An accountant at the Food Bank identified an itemized invoice amounting to $49,955 from a business coaching firm, which prompted immediate investigation by the authorities.
The suspicious bill was received on July 18 and included a W9 form associated with a business located in Leander, Texas. However, a simple online search revealed that the address listed was connected to a different company, raising red flags among the organization’s staff. The Food Bank had not engaged the supposed services billed, which led to the decision to report the incident to police before any payment was made.
Athens-Clarke police are currently looking into the case, as it appears that legitimate businesses’ identities were used to create a fraudulent invoice. The Food Bank’s proactive measures prevented the theft of nearly $50,000 intended for community support, highlighting the importance of vigilance against scams.
On the same day, a troubling event unfolded in Winterville involving a 67-year-old woman. This resident lost $7,000 after responding to a fraudulent Norton antivirus renewal scheme. The woman attempted to renew her subscription after searching online for the company’s official number.
Upon reaching out, she was quoted a renewal fee of $65, but during the call, the scammer falsely stated that she had been credited $6,500 by mistake. Under pressure, she was manipulated into believing that she needed to wire $5,800 as a refund to a gas station. Although she hesitated, the scammer’s aggressive tactics eventually coerced her into proceeding with the payment.
After initially expressing doubts, the woman returned with her son for assistance following further harassment from the scammer, who threatened to contact the FBI. This led to a hasty decision to proceed, culminating in a payment made through Bitcoin at the gas station.
Afterwards, the woman discovered that an additional $1,200 had been withdrawn from her bank account by the fraudster. Agitated and distraught, she contacted her bank for assistance and was advised to file a police report regarding the scam.
The incidents involving both the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and the Winterville resident serve as significant reminders of the ongoing battle against fraud in the community. Organizations and individuals alike are encouraged to remain vigilant and educate themselves on the common tactics used by scammers to avoid falling victim to these malicious schemes.
As investigations continue into both incidents, community members are urged to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement to enhance the effectiveness of scam prevention efforts. Proper awareness, combined with swift action, can protect not only individuals but also vital organizations dedicated to serving the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
