We at 321 Web Marketing are committed to operating with integrity and transparency. It has come to our attention on March 23, 2024, that some individuals have been targeted by scams on WhatsApp, fraudulently claiming to offer freelance opportunities on behalf of our company. We were notified by the victims of this scam.
We have reported this scam to the FBI’s IC3, the FTC, and companies hosting this fraudulent website in hopes that they will take it down. Some of the companies contacted include CloudFlare, Google, and GoDaddy using their contact forms related to abuse, phishing, and trademark infringement. If the website in question does not have 321webmarketing.com in it, the website is fraudulent.
If you’ve encountered this scam, we encourage you to take swift action:
- Stop Communication with the scammers. Do not give them any money. Do not communicate over their fake customer support website.
- Contact Financial Institutions: If any transactions occurred, contact your bank or payment service immediately.
- Report the Scam: Report the WhatsApp user over WhatsApp. File a complaint with local authorities, the FBI’s IC3, and the FTC to inform them of this criminal activity.
We want to express our deepest sympathies to anyone affected by these fraudulent activities and emphasize that these actions are in no way affiliated with or condoned by 321 Web Marketing. Below, we offer guidance to help victims navigate this difficult situation and take steps towards reporting the scam and seeking recovery.
Immediate Steps To Take
Stop Communication with the scammers. Do not give them any money.
Cease all communication with the scammers immediately. It’s crucial that you don’t send any further funds. Scammers may promise to release funds upon payment, but please understand that this is a common tactic to extort more money from you.
If you’ve already made a payment, resist any requests for additional funds. Remember, the scammers’ actions are solely for their benefit and not yours.
Only continue communication if directed by law enforcement or your legal counsel.
Contact Your Bank Or Payment Service
Act Fast: Reach out to your bank or the payment service you used as soon as possible to inform them of the fraudulent transaction. They will advise you on the best course of action, which may include reversing the transaction under certain circumstances.
Report To Authorities
- FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): Visit the IC3 website, click on “File a Complaint,” and provide detailed information about your experience with the scam.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Go to the FTC fraud reporting website and follow the instructions to report the scam.
- Contact any other local law enforcement authorities that you think are relevant.
Report To WhatsApp
Procedure: In the WhatsApp app, navigate to the fraudulent chat, tap on the contact or group name, scroll down, and select “Report Contact” or “Report Group.” Confirm your action by selecting “Report & Block.”
Important Disclaimers
- 321 Web Marketing’s Role: Please understand that while we are deeply concerned about the misuse of our company’s name in these scams, we are unable to directly assist in the refunding of money or recovery of lost assets. Our guidance is provided as a courtesy to help victims understand their options for reporting and seeking advice on recovery.
- Privacy and Data Protection: Should you choose to contact us for further advice or to report a scam using our name, rest assured that we handle all personal information in compliance with data protection laws and our privacy policy.
- Legal Disclaimer: Please be aware that the information provided on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. 321 Web Marketing and its representatives are not attorneys, and the content herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal counsel. We strongly recommend consulting with law encorcement, your bank, and/or a qualified attorney for advice on your specific circumstances.
Our Commitment
321 Web Marketing stands against fraud and is dedicated to maintaining the trust and safety of our community. We have fielded some questions initially, but have been recommended to have victims directly submit their complaints to the proper authorities which are linked above (IC3 and FTC).
We hope this information helps those affected by these unfortunate events. Our hearts go out to you during this challenging time, and we appreciate your vigilance in reporting these scams to protect others in our community.
