Another scam...

A Knoxville woman lost $1,000 to a scammer who took control of her computer claiming he was trying to fix it.
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The aim of malware scams, also known as tech support scams, is to steal your personal information and your money. To prevent this scam, don’t call the number on the screen or download a link. One way to avoid this scam is not to click on pop-up ads. Scammers insert unwanted software into the pop-up messages.

“Don’t ever give your information out, to no one. And if your laptop has a virus or if it’s ringing, shut it down,” said Hart

This happens often enough. Keep your personal information safe.

Also, it's shocking how many people withdraw money from their bank account, buy gift cards, deposit money into bitcoin ATMs (!?), send Western Union money, etc. just because some random grifter tells them to over the phone or text or email. Or gives some rando online access to their computer.

If it's sounds too good to be true, it is.

A Knoxville couple lost hundreds of dollars believing they were going to rent a home at a bargain basement price. Now, they want to warn others about the hoax.

The cost to rent a home around Knoxville is at an all-time high. The median price to rent an average-sized home in Knoxville is $2,094. That’s $94 more than last year at this time, according to Zillow’s rental manager.
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He wanted $550 as the rent, plus the down payment was $200. So, the move-in amount was $750.

An East Tennessee woman was hoping to remodel her home with money received from a grant. But it didn’t happen, as the grant was a hoax.

Grant scams continue to catch people because they prey on people’s hopes for “free money” from the government.

But first, she had to provide money upfront.

Be careful out there. If it seems to good to be true, it is.