20-year-old Oregon woman scammed out of $300 via TikTok direct message leading to 70 threatening texts and graphic photos

Summary

A 20-year-old woman in Eugene, Oregon, was scammed out of $300 in a "muse scam" after receiving a direct message on TikTok on April 1, 2024. The scammer, posing as an art page, convinced her to provide contact information and deposit a fake $1,000 check, then asked for money to buy art supplies. After realizing the check was fraudulent, the woman stopped sending money and cut ties with the scammer, prompting aggressive threats and pushy messages. Over the next 24 hours, the woman received more than 70 threatening texts and graphic photos, including images of dead bodies and threats of violence. The family reported the incident to Eugene Police, who advised them to continue documenting threats and sharing information to help connect the case to others. The Eugene Police Department emphasized the importance of reporting scams and staying vigilant online, especially during high-volume scam periods like tax season.