Data collected from municipal police departments, county sheriffs, and regional task forces shows distinct patterns in how these listings target communities across the state.
| Metro Area | Dominant Scam Mechanism | Average Reported Loss | Primary Vector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanawha County (Charleston) | Upfront deposit wire fraud | $250, $600 | Prepaid payment apps |
| Cabell County (Huntington) | Identity harvesting via ID photo | $1,200, $4,500 (credit theft) | Fake verification portals |
| Ohio County (Wheeling) | "Cartel" violent extortion threats | $800, $2,500 | Burner SMS & graphic imagery |
| Monongalia County (Morgantown) | Crypto voucher refund schemes | $400, $1,100 | Bitcoin ATM transfers |
