Farmers Branch Mayor Robert Dye's Image Used In Instagram Scam

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – A crook or crooks on social media used a North Texas public official’s image to make their phony offers appear legitimate. The City of Farmers Branch said it happened to Mayor Robert Dye this week. Someone impersonated him in a fake Instagram account, then used that account to solicit payments from unsuspecting victims who expected to access a federal grant. Instagram scam (credit: City of Farmers Branch) Police Chief David Hale says these fraudulent offers have become more common during the COVID-19 pandemic. People are more often desperate for federal grants, spending more time online and more likely to make a quick decision, trying to meet a fake deadline. COVID-19 vaccine scams, federal grant scams and banking scams are just the tip of the iceberg. Learn more about scams during the pandemic here. The FBI has a large database of common scams here. MORE FROM CBSDFW Baylor Scott & White Health To Outsource, Eliminate 1,700 Positions New Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia Now Certified Texas Peace Officer After Passing State Exam Construction Worker Struck And Killed By Piece Of Equipment In Frisco CBSDFW.com StaffThe CBS DFW team is a group of experienced journalists who along…
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