Police investigate after Austintown woman scammed for $734

AUSTINTOWN — A township resident was scammed out of $734.

A 47-year old female resident of Nottingham Avenue told police Wednesday that on May 15 she was contacted by the "U.S. Department of Housing and Human Resources." A person there said she received a $9,200 grant and she sent a $225 security deposit through Western Union to a man. She then proceeded to send additional $200 to Thailand for "state taxes."

On May 21 she sent an additional $299 to Thailand for more state taxes. The report said her loss totaled $734.

She called the man Tuesday seeking a refund but was hung up on. Austintown detectives are investigating the case.