March 28, 2024
Scammers on the loose, social media users warned
SOUTHLAND – (INT) – A pair of unrelated scams have surfaced and more people are falling victim.

The Better Business Bureau® is warning Instagram users about a "money flipping" scam that is taking over the social media platform.

According to Fraud.org there are currently more than 45,000 Instagram photos tagged with #flippingmoney and most of them belong to scammers waiting for their victims to bite.

Instagram users see a profile with a photo of an individual holding a large pile of money. Photo captioning says "Text me the word MONEY and get paid in 30 minutes" or some other variation of this caption. After the victim texts the scammer, they are prompted to send X amount of dollars for "initial investment". As soon as the scammers receive the money they are never heard from again.

In another scam, the Chino Valley Fire District is alerting business owners of companies claiming to be sent by the Fire Marshal, Fire District or a Fire Inspector.

The unsolicited companies claim that they are working on behalf of the local fire agency to perform an inspection or survey of the business. The unsolicited companies target fire protection equipment, systems and other areas related to fire safety trying to sell equipment.

Fire inspections in Chino and Chino Hills are conducted by Fire District personnel. All Chino Valley Fire District personnel who perform fire and life safety inspections wear an approved uniform with a badge clearly displayed.
Story Date: August 16, 2015
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