The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office is warning people to look out for scams on their social media accounts.

Sheriff Steve Cox said a local citizen allegedly had their social media account hacked. He said the scammer claims to be a person with a very common name and portrays to be with a program called grants.gov.

“The suspect allegedly made posting(s) on our citizens account (possibly hacked the account) claiming they have recently received thousands of dollars in free grant money. Intended victims are directed to sign up and do NOT share the information with anyone until they have received their own grant money. The intended victim is requested to wire or send money to get the process going and the free grant money will be distributed within a few days,” Cox said. “These scams have different variations but in sense they are all the same. They want you to send them money.”

Cox advises residents to be smart and not get ripped off.

“Think about it, what Federal Government Program works this fast? These criminals pray on our citizens and exploit their individual needs and hope,” Cox said. “If you have been a victim you are urged to call your local law enforcement agency and make a timely report. Most likely if you have sent money you will never see it again.”