Manatee County Woman Loses Over $27K in Tech Support Scam

In a concerning incident, an 88-year-old woman from Manatee County lost more than $27,000 due to a tech support scam that began with a false security alert about child pornography. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is raising awareness about these scams, which often target the elderly, leveraging fear to manipulate their victims into providing personal information or money. The Sheriff's Office urges residents to remain cautious and to scrutinize any unsolicited messages that provoke alarm. They recommend that individuals verify the authenticity of any tech support communications before taking any action. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to law enforcement to help combat these types of fraud.

The case has sparked discussions on the need for community education regarding online safety and scam prevention. Many residents are now more aware of the tactics used by scammers and the importance of protecting themselves and their loved ones. This incident highlights a broader issue of vulnerability among seniors in the digital age, necessitating continued vigilance and education.