How A Popup Scam Cost A Sioux Falls Man $25,000

If you’ve ever had your computer suddenly freeze and throw a terrifying pop-up message onto your screen, you know the feeling. Your heart jumps, your mouse won’t cooperate, and suddenly you’re being warned that something is “critically wrong” with your computer. It’s frustrating, it’s stressful, and it's definitely annoying! One Sioux Falls man learned that lesson the hard way recently, and it ended up being incredibly expensive.

Dakota News Now reports that Sioux Falls police are investigating a pop-up scam that cost a local resident roughly $25,000.

According to the report, the man began experiencing what appeared to be computer problems when a pop-up message appeared on his screen. The alert included a phone number and urged him to call immediately to speak with an “experienced computer technician” who could help solve the issue.

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Believing he was doing the right thing, the man called the number. On the other end was someone who sounded knowledgeable and helpful. That person convinced the victim to allow remote access to his computer, something many legitimate tech support services do, which makes the scam even harder to spot.

Unfortunately, the help was anything but legitimate. By granting access, the victim unknowingly opened the door to his personal and financial information. Before long, the scammer had gained access to his bank account. The result was a devastating loss of approximately $25,000.

Police say this case is still under investigation, but it serves as a powerful reminder for everyone in the Sioux Empire and beyond: pop-up scams are very real, very convincing, and very dangerous.

If you ever encounter a pop-up warning that urges you to call a number, act immediately, or hand over access to your computer, STOP right there. Legitimate companies don’t operate that way. And if you believe you’ve been targeted or victimized by an online scam, contact local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission as soon as possible. Acting quickly can sometimes limit the damage and might keep a bad situation from getting even worse.

10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Dakota

Cities on the east and west side of the Missouri River have made the latest list of South Dakota's Most Dangerous Cities for 2021.

Roadsnacks recently released its most 'Dangerous Cities' list and here in The Mount Rushmore state there are a few surprises, especially at the top. To determine the most dangerous cities in the state, Roadsnacks looked at the FBI's report on the latest violent crime, along with property crime statistics.

And surprisingly, the town with the most murders per capita in the state has less than 3,000 residents. Take a look at the list below.

For a look at the detailed list, visit roadsnacks.com Story Source: Roadsncaks