Rexburg woman loses $13,000 in online scam

REXBURG - A local woman is learning that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The woman, who asked not to be identified, says a friend told her about a website giving away stimulus money grants to all who apply.

She went online, provided personal information to the site and sent the company a $13,000 money order.

"The individual claimed he was with the government and they had excessive money," Rexburg Police Captain Randy Lewis says. "She initially had to send in $2000 and then they requested another few thousand to get it through customs."

The website promised the woman would get between one and two hundred thousand dollars back.

Once the woman realized this was a scam, she contacted the Rexburg police department and filed a report.

Police say there are thousands of bogus websites and you should never send money to individuals you don't know.

"There are tell-tell signs," says Lewis. "Watch for language barriers, misspellings, and remember that no one is going to give away free money."

The victim tells police she went to her bank and is working to see if she can get her money back.

Meanwhile, AARP Idaho will be hosting a free Consumer Fraud Forum designed as a fun, educational and interactive event where participants learn to avoid today’s scams while getting the tools and resources they need to protect themselves. The forum will focus on local, regional and national scams and the tactics con-artists use to trap their victims.

Speakers include AARP Idaho, Bannock County Sheriff Lorin Nielsen, Better Business Bureau, Idaho Department of Insurance (SHIBA), Idaho Legal Aid Services, and Representative Elaine Smith.

The event takes place October 1, 2015 at the Shoshone Bannock Event Center in Fort Hall. Registration and a complimentary breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. The forum takes place from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and includes a free BBQ lunch and door prizes.