(La Porte County, IN) - Money was used as the bait to scam an 81-year-old La Porte County woman on Facebook Messenger.

 

According to La Porte County Police, the Stillwell area woman was contacted by a man claiming to be an agent with the Social Security Administration. The victim reported that the man offered her $50,000 if she would send him $100 on a prepaid card, and the money would be delivered to her in cash.

 

According to police, the woman said she was hesitant until the man provided the names of two people she knew and claimed they also received the money the same way.

 

The woman purchased a prepaid card and gave the numbers on the card to the man for him to access the money. He then asked for another $200.

 

The woman gave him the numbers off another prepaid containing the funds to meet his latest request. He then requested $1,000 but the woman now fully realizing it was scam refused any further payment.

 

Police said an officer helped the woman block the subject from contacting her again.