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Please be aware of scams as they are infiltrating our communities.

Thanks to the ACSO for raising awarness of these crimes.

News Release 03.18.2012

The Avery County Sheriff’s Office recently received a report on a “Nigerian Dating Scam.”   This scam targets those who use dating web sites.  The scammers use fake attractive photos uploaded from the internet.  They pretend to be professionals working in Nigeria or Ghana and will send cheap gifts to their victims after correspondence with victim.  The victim is asked for financial help after the scammer reports being robbed or some other misfortune.  The victim may be asked to re-ship packages received at their address.  The packages contain items purchased with stolen credit or debit cards.  Citizens of Avery County are advised to use caution when using a web based dating site. 

The Avery County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report of a larceny of a large amount of money from a home in the Banner Elk area.  No suspects or leads were listed on the original report but a cash reward is being offered through High Country Crime Stopper for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft.  Anyone with information about this theft is requested to call the Avery County Sheriff’s Office at 733-2071 or High Country Crimestoppers at 737-0125.

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