Scam Alert: Woman Fraudulently Using the United Way Name
Scam Alert: Woman Fraudulently Using the United Way Name to Obtain Banking Information
This afternoon [Thursday, July 15, 2021], the United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) discovered that a woman allegedly named Linda Vaughn fraudulently uses the name United Way to contact individuals through Facebook Messenger with nonexistent grant funding. Vaughn allegedly asserts she is a Claims Agent for United Way Worldwide and can provide grants to individuals in our community. She then asks for the individual’s bank account information so that she can cover her fees to process the requests.
UWSWA has contacted the Mobile Police Department, the Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile, and Washington Counties’ Sheriffs’ offices to make them aware of the situation, and they are beginning an investigation.
Jill Chenoweth, President & CEO of the United Way of Southwest Alabama stated, “I am always amazed at the generosity of the human spirit; therefore, I am always shocked and stunned by individuals that chose to scam innocent people during times of trouble. The United Way of Southwest Alabama is soliciting funds to begin our 2021 community campaign and funds to assist our partner agencies during the COVID-19 crisis. The thought that someone would use our logo and our name to scam money from the community is disturbing. If individuals are solicited by United Way of Southwest Alabama, they can verify the solicitation by visiting our website at www.uwswa.org and contacting the individual who made the solicitation or by contacting me.”
If you suspect you have received a fraudulent social media contact, telephone call, email, or letter soliciting donations, please notify your local police department. Any communications from the UWSWA will include an authentic, trademarked UWSWA logo and a contact person who can be verified by calling the UWSWA offices at 251.433.3624, visiting our website at www.uwswa.org, or sending a direct message to our Facebook or LinkedIn pages. Any reputable nonprofit will very willing verify the authenticity of a request and the staff person making it.
For more information on scams and how to protect yourself visit the sites below.
- AARP Foundation ElderWatch
- Federal Trade Commission
- Information on Family Scams – www.consumer.ftc.gov
- Guidance on imposters – www.consumer.ftc.gov