TAMA COUNTY, Iowa — A convincing scam email that appeared to come from a local school employee prompted a warning after the recipient was asked to send money for a vehicle.
The email claimed the employee had experienced a death in the family and was selling several belongings, including vehicles. It said another person was handling the sales.
The recipient expressed interest in one of the vehicles and was later asked to send a down payment. Before sending money, the recipient contacted the school directly and learned the message was a scam.
Officials urged people to independently verify unexpected messages seeking money, deposits, gift cards or payment for items being sold.
Scammers can make emails appear to come from people, businesses or organizations that recipients know and trust. Anyone who receives a suspicious message should contact the person or organization using a phone number or email address they know is legitimate.
No money was sent in this case.
