Ormond Beach couple loses $83,000 to fake PayPal scam involving fraudulent security representatives and cash collection

Summary

An Ormond Beach couple lost $83,000 in a scam involving a fake PayPal text message and fraudulent security representatives. The scam began on May 22 when the couple received a text about an unauthorized $599 PayPal charge and called the provided number. Scammers posing as Norton Security representatives convinced them to wire $49,400 to "fix" the issue. Later, the scammers claimed the money was on hold due to IRS taxes and persuaded the couple to withdraw an additional $33,000 in cash. A fake courier arrived at the couple’s home to collect the cash. The Ormond Beach Police Department warned residents not to call numbers from unsolicited texts and to verify contact information through official sources.