Catherine Shook said someone stole her friend's Facebook identity and messaged her.
The scammer told her about a federal grant for the elderly. Shook told Action 9 she could use that money to "have done some things around the house that needed to be done," like building a wheelchair ramp.
[ALSO READ: Action 9 confronts man involved in international computer scam]
Then came the con. "It was [$]50,000. You had to pay $560 when they delivered it to you."
She pursued the so-called grant. She said the scammer asked for her phone number and then texted her. Then came the money part. The scammer asked how much she wanted. She said $50,000.
That's right. She had to pay money to get money. Action 9 always tells you that's a red flag.
[ALSO READ: Action 9: CVS taking new steps to protect you from scammers]
Thankfully, Shook caught it. "I told him, I said, 'This is a scam.' He said, 'You (are) insulting me.'"
Be suspicious:
- Of any federal grant you didn't apply for, even if it comes from an email or social media message you recognize.
- If you have to pay money to get money.