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Online Criminals Using Scare Tactics to Steal From People

Criminals are reaching out to people threatening to harm them if they don't give them money.

BURLINGTON, N.C. — Fear is probably the biggest motivator for most people. Fear makes people make snap decisions and criminals know that.

They're using that characteristic to scam your neighbors.

Burlington police said they've had several people report a scam against them. Victims said the criminal contacts them online and threatens violence if they don't buy them gift cards. They even use gruesome photos of violence to convince the victims they're in danger.

READ: Warning from Burlington Police

The criminals are using apps like Facebook, WhatsApp or just text messages.

Police believe they live outside the country. They've heard about five cases in the past week.  

Call police if you're approached about a scam like this.

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