Three common scams are popping up in the Carroll County area, and officials want you to be warned before you become a victim. 

State's Attorney Brian L. DeLeonardo says victims are often lured into scams for charitable causes, romantic or relationship reasons, lottery contests, overpayment claims or under the guise of a relative in trouble. Once the contact is made, scammers will usually want you to communicate through instant messenger in order to avoid detection. 

Here is how three of the most recent scams seen in Carroll County work. 

1) Money Laundering

The scammer will say you will be wired money to pick up at Western Union, Money Gram, or other money transfer companies. You are asked to deposit the money into your account and then send the money through another money transfer to a company or person overseas. Sometimes the money transfer will be to someone in the United States, but that is not as common. 

At that point, you have engaged in money laundering which is illegal. 

2) Charitable Donations

Scammers will persuade victims to send money to the scammer through a money transfer company. The scammer will try to convince you that they are helping children in other counties by sending this money through wire transfers. 

3) Love Interest

A scammer will contact you and start a romantic conversation. Once the relationship is established, they will ask you to send them money so they can travel home from another country. Then they will continue to give excuses as to why there is a need to keep on sending money. 

If you suspect a scam you can call the Carroll County State’s Attorney SCAM HOTLINE 443-340-564, contact the Federal Trade Commission online at www.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357, or if the scam involves another country, you should report it on www.econsumer.gov.