Scammers target Springville woman with small charges

When checking a bank statement for anything unusual, it's common to look for major, out-of-the-ordinary charges. But a new scam is banking on a small charge leading to a big payoff.

It's the latest in online scamming, and one Springville woman nearly fell victim to the online crime.

“I checked my statement and something on there said I had $7.35.  I couldn't figure out what it was,” said Cindy Thompson.

Thompson is a widow on a fixed income living in Springville. She says that's why she checks her statements carefully, scrolling through every purchase.

After noticing the charge, Thompson called her bank.  She then called a number given to her by her bank for the website gromocar.es listed next to the purchase and got a voicemail message.

“So I went on the computer and I googled [the website], it said ‘scam'.”

Thompson quickly relayed the message to her bank, who told her small charges from scammers are becoming more common.  An easier way to go undetected and collect money for a longer period of time.

"They think they're taking small amounts from people, they won't notice and just let it ride.  My bank says they're probably making millions.”

Thompson said if she didn't check her statements as often as she does, she believes the scammers could have taken much more than seven dollars.

"$7.35 isn't much, but you take that times every month, and it could be a large sum of money,” she said.