Louisiana Authorities Bust Alleged Social Media Fraudster
(Lafayette, LA) - Louisiana State Police officials say they have extradited a Kentucky woman to our state to face charges of theft and illegal transactions dealing with schemes aimed at swindling a person out of money on an online marketplace.
How many times have you heard stories of someone defrauded through a social media website over the past decade and a half? The instances are too numerous to quantify correctly, as many people never even report being scammed.
What Is Scam Tracker?
The Better Business Bureau of Acadiana has a Scam Tracker feature where people can report any scam, whether it happens via email, telephone, text, or online.
Whether it's an item for sale at a "really low price", a puppy scam where you have to send money for a "crate fee," or a "lost dog" scam, there are hundreds of scams in which scammers prey on innocent victims.
What Is Known About This Louisiana Case?
Often, it can be nearly impossible for some law enforcement agencies to track down the source of online and social media marketplace scams.
In this case, the Louisiana State Police Trooper First Class Peggy Bourque, who works with the Public Affairs Section, says a 48-year-old woman from Annville, Kentucky, was arrested on Friday, February 21.
When Did The Alleged Crimes Occur?
Bourque says detectives with the Insurance Fraud/Auto Theft section of the State Police began an investigation in October 2024, teaming up with detectives from Kentucky State Police. As their investigation continued, they were able to develop Holcomb as a suspect. Investigators presented their information to the 15th Judicial District Court, and then Kentucky officials were able to track the woman down and arrest her.
While she was arrested in February in Kentucky, it did take a month for her to be extradited to Lafayette, which happened on Friday, March 21. Holcomb was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:
- Two counts of Theft, which is LA RS 14:67
- Two counts of Illegal Transmission of Monetary Funds, which is LA RS 14:70.8
Louisiana State Police Officials Have Advice For Everyone About Scams
- Scammers will pretend to be sellers who are trustworthy, but they are just trying to get your money.
- If a deal seems "too good to be true," it probably is.
- If anything seems suspicious, trust your instincts and don't engage with that seller.
- It's best to meet in a public place if you can.
- When something strange or suspicious happens, you should always report it to the police.
- Do research on whoever is selling the item, animal, or deal.
If something does happen and you have been scammed or think you might have been scammed, you can report it by visiting the LA-SAFE site at la-safe.org. When you get there, click the "Suspicious Activity Reports" link. Alternatively, you can call the Suspicious Activity Hotline at 1-800-434-8007 or use the See Send smartphone app.
Scams Can Happen Anywhere And On Any Platform
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