Another Lousy Love Scam

A routine traffic stop Sunday on Peavine Road actually helped a 76-year-old Fairfield Glade man from being further swindled in a love scam.  According to reports, the elderly man apologized for speeding saying he was in a hurry to get to his girlfriend who had messaged him that she was being harassed at the Food City gas station.  The Officer asked what she was driving and the man stated that he did not know because this was going to be the first time they met in person and she was coming from Ohio.  The Officer responded to Food City and spoke to the attendant at the gas station who advised that no one had been there for a few minutes. The victim showed up shortly after and said his online girlfriend was now supposed to be inside the store.  The Officer asked to look at the messages and reports that it was obvious this was a scam to receive Apple gift cards.   Just to be sure, another Officer went inside the store and did not find the girlfriend.  Officers learned the man had sent her $150 that day in the form of Apple gift cards for gas to make the trip to Tennessee. The victim also revealed he had given the fake girlfriend about $300 in the past two months for various reasons.  Fortunately, the man said that he had not given the person any personal information such as credit cards, banking information or social security number.