Detectives warn of new Online Scam



During the month of June, 2014, Pico Rivera Sheriff's Station personnel detected a new trend in on-line scams. Detectives are investigating two separate cases of on-line fraud, in which the victims lost $4,500 and $2,400, respectively.



In a common outline of the crime, the victim will locate a vehicle on a website such as 'Craigslist' or 'E-bay' for an unbelievably low price then e-mail the seller to advise them of their interest in the vehicle. The seller will return the e-mail, stating they are employed in one of the branches of the military, were recently transferred to another state and need to sell the vehicle quickly. The seller and victim will agree on a price and the seller will instruct the victim to purchase 'Green Dot' credit cards for the agreed amount. The victim will contact the seller via telephone or e-mail, give the seller the 'Green Dot' code and the money is deposited into the seller's account, which is usually out of state. The seller will promise the vehicle's delivery in four days, but the vehicle never arrives and the seller can no longer be contacted.



Remember to use caution when transferring money for on-line transactions. Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!



If you have been a victim of a scam, please report it to your local law enforcement agency. If you live in the Pico Rivera Station service area, please contact Detective Avila at (562) 949-2421.



Pico Rivera Sheriff's Station polices the City of Pico Rivera and unincorporated community of West Whittier.



Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Pico Rivera Sheriff's Station. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org .



Pico Rivera Sheriff's Station

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

6631 Passons Boulevard

Pico Rivera, CA 90660

(562)949-2421

Website: http://www.PicoRivera.lasd.org

LASD Text & Email (Register at http://www.Nixle.com :

http://local.nixle.com/lasd---pico-rivera-station-los-angeles-county-sheriff/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PicoRiveraSheriffsStation

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PRVLASD

Contact Information: Det. S. Avila - 562-949-2421, SPAvila@lasd.org