People reporting their Facebook pages were hacked is a relatively common occurrence.

But the victims usually aren’t Westmoreland County Common Pleas judges.

Judge Scott Mears said his account was compromised over the weekend.

A scammer made a post on the judge’s page, claiming his uncle had recently entered an assisted living facility, and that he was selling his personal items.

The false post claimed the judge’s uncle suffers from dementia and solicited money for items including vehicles, appliances, exercise equipment and furniture.

State police is investigating, the judge said. Requests made directly to Meta, the owners of Facebook, to remove the post have been unsuccessful, he said.

“This story is fraudulent, and the items listed do not exist,” Mears said in a statement. “I am urging residents to remain vigilant against these types of attacks and to report them to law enforcement immediately. Should anyone receive a friend request from me or a direct message soliciting interest in purchasing items, please do not accept the request and report all such outreach attempts to Meta directly.”

Mears has been blocked from access to his Facebook page and can’t delete the posts, several of which are soliciting money.

“This crime is particularly troubling because the hacker is exploiting the trust that people place in a judge. I want the public to know that I am doing everything within my power to stop this scam and prevent future harm,” Mears said.

A spokesman for the state police did not respond to a request for comment.

Multiple reports

Facebook users across the country have reported similar occurrences, with increased frequency this year.

In the Reddit page r/Scams, a user posted about their account getting hacked, leading a mutual friend to send $2,500 to the scammer to buy an item. The scammer had posted items for sale and was asking for deposits under the user’s name.

Facebook account was hacked, they posted items for sale asking for deposits. A friend sent $2500 and is now blaming me. byu/Haunting-Post549 inScams

“I explained to her the account was hacked, it was a scam and that she needed to call her bank and stop the transfer and call the police,” the Reddit post said. “Now she is blaming ME and essentially harassing me to give her her money back.”

Similar instances were posted on the question service website JustAnswer.

“My Facebook account got hacked, now he is selling items and asking my friends for money. I have reported it, I also know the time and location where they logged in and said it wasn’t me and FB still allowed it. Very frustrated,” the post says.

In this case, the scammer was asking for money to help recover a phone — and even listed an ad displaying a Honda for sale.

“Quite a few friends were interested thinking it’s me, and one lady sent him a deposit of $800,” according to the post. “He is bullying people, pure abuse.”

On Facebook, many users have posted warnings, testimonies and public service announcements regarding the scams.

“Please be aware there is a scam going on,” one post read. “My mom’s Facebook page was hacked, and now someone is impersonating her and trying to sell items that aren’t real and will block you after you pay a deposit.”

One public service announcement posted in a Texas-based Facebook group in February.

“There are TONS of hackers that are hacking into people’s Facebook accounts and ‘selling’ things that are not real — trucks, trailers, home furniture etc. They look like great deals and they are asking for ‘deposits’ up front, etc. They communicate via (Facebook) Messenger, which the real owner of the (Facebook) account has lost control off. CALL the actual seller if you know them personally to verify it is real and NEVER send anyone money from a (Facebook) post. When buying and selling, it is best practice to always do in person and in cash. Be smart and be safe,” the post read.

In mid-July, a Facebook user posted in an Arizona-based Facebook group detailing their experience.

“They (scammers) will ask for a deposit or payment in advance and then you will get ghosted. They find a photo of nice furniture online and then try to sell it to you. They will have a fake profile and will have very few if any Facebook friends. Always check profiles and do not give any money to anyone unless you are able to see the item in person.”

Rich Cholodofsky and Megan Swift are TribLive staff writers. Reach them at rcholodofsky@triblive.com and mswift@triblive.com.

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