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Texas Woman Loses $500K in Work-from-Home Scam

9/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In Houston, Joel Locandro lost her husband and $500,000 to a sophisticated work-from-home scam.
The FTC reports over 61,000 job-scam complaints last year, totaling $186 million.
Scammers offered a $600 weekly salary, asked her to buy items, and used WhatsApp to pose as co-workers.
A report shows 20–29-year-olds lose more to scams; the FBI warns Texans to stay vigilant.

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Story summary

In Houston, Joel Locandro lost her husband and $500,000 to a sophisticated work-from-home scam.
The FTC reports over 61,000 job-scam complaints last year, totaling $186 million.
Scammers offered a $600 weekly salary, asked her to buy items, and used WhatsApp to pose as co-workers.
A report shows 20–29-year-olds lose more to scams; the FBI warns Texans to stay vigilant.