Scam alert after fake principal email tricks victims into sending money
Stafford County, VA — A reported impersonation scam involving a compromised school email led to a financial loss after a victim sent money for vehicles that did not exist, according to local deputies.
The incident was reported Wednesday morning on Appalachian Drive, where the victim told authorities they received an email appearing to come from a school principal. The message claimed the principal’s family was holding an estate sale and offered vehicles for purchase.
After contacting the suspect, the victim agreed to buy two vehicles and initially sent a deposit. When the suspect refused to allow inspection of the vehicles or provide a Carfax report, the victim still proceeded to send full payment. The scheme unraveled when the victim later contacted the actual principal, who confirmed their email had been compromised and no such sale existed.
In a separate case the same day on Mt. Hope Church Road, a victim reported an unauthorized transaction tied to their Amazon account. The victim received an alert about a gift card purchase, which an Amazon representative initially linked to a delivery issue. The victim confirmed no such issue existed and canceled the transaction.
Later, the victim received additional communication indicating items had been shipped to a warehouse in Delaware. The victim reset account passwords and scanned their computer for potential security threats. Deputies collected information and advised the victim to forward any further suspicious communication.
No suspects have been identified in either case, and both incidents remain under investigation.
Key Points
- Victim sent funds in impersonation scam involving fake vehicle sale
- School principal’s email account confirmed compromised
- Separate case involved unauthorized Amazon gift card transaction