PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – A computer pop-up warning of a virus might seem like a standard tech annoyance, but deputies say a new variation of the scheme is costing residents hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office issued a fraud alert this week after one victim lost over $172,000 to scammers who used fear, fake tech support, and in-person couriers to steal cash.
According to investigators, the fraud begins when a user encounters a pop-up message on their computer claiming a virus has infected the system. The message urges the user to call a specific phone number for assistance. Once the victim connects with the voice on the other end, the trap is set.
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The scammers, posing as helpful support agents or officials, convince victims that they need to move their funds to protect them or open new bank accounts. To ensure compliance, the perpetrators often escalate the tension by threatening the victim with potential criminal charges if they refuse to cooperate.
Unlike traditional scams that rely solely on electronic wire transfers, this operation often involves a physical hand-off. Deputies say the scammers instruct victims to withdraw large sums of cash, which are then collected by different couriers sent directly to the victim to pick up the money. The con artists frequently schedule multiple transactions, draining accounts over time.
Authorities are urging the public to treat any unsolicited pop-up asking for money or personal information with extreme skepticism.
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“We advise citizens not to give personal information or account information over the phone or computer,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in the release.
If you suspect you have been targeted by this scam or have information regarding these incidents, detectives ask that you contact the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at (727) 582-6200.
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