A Pioneertown man was scammed out of nearly $2,000 Friday. According to the Sheriff’s Department, an unknown woman called the victim and said she was from the Federal Reserve Bank and that he was prequalified for a federal grant program. The victim was told to purchase two iTunes gift cards in increments of $100. About a half hour later, the victim received another call, this one from a man who also said he was from the Federal Reserve Bank. The scammer told the victim to buy five $100 Walmart gift cards and he would receive $9,000 for the grant. The victim ended up purchasing $1,950 in gift cards and called back and gave the scammers the card numbers and access codes. The Sheriff’s Department reminds residents that the Federal Reserve Bank does not award grants or any other types of funds for individuals. If you have been the victim of such a scam, call the Sheriff’s Department at 760-366-4175.
