Rochester, NY – Residents across Monroe County are being warned about a growing scam that has already cost victims thousands of dollars, according to local authorities.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are impersonating mortgage lenders and sending messages demanding urgent payments. These fraudulent requests often instruct victims to visit a retailer, such as Walmart, and scan a barcode to complete the transaction.
Authorities say the scheme is designed to create panic, with scammers allegedly threatening immediate consequences like loan default, foreclosure, or legal action if payments are not made quickly. The messages may arrive via text, email, or phone call and often appear convincing, using lender names or official-sounding language.
Officials emphasize that legitimate lenders do not request payments through barcode scans or direct customers to retail stores for transactions. Residents are urged to avoid responding to unsolicited messages and never scan barcodes sent by unknown sources.
The sheriff’s office recommends contacting lenders directly using verified phone numbers or official websites to confirm any payment requests. Individuals should also avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers or texters.
Authorities encourage residents to monitor their accounts regularly for suspicious activity and report any suspected scams immediately. If a situation feels urgent or threatening, deputies advise calling 911 to verify the legitimacy of the request before taking action.
The warning comes as similar scams have been reported in other regions, highlighting a broader trend of fraud schemes targeting homeowners and borrowers.
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