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  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 29, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: elderly, , isolation, , ,   

    Scam Victim Loses $800K in a Year 

    Scam Victim Loses $800K in a Year

    By Greg Collier

    Scams are evolving into more sophisticated, emotionally manipulative schemes, exploiting trust and fear over extended periods. A recent heartbreaking case in Lincoln, Nebraska, highlights the alarming extent to which scammers can operate undetected, draining not just financial resources but also the emotional well-being of their victims.

    A 79-year-old woman fell prey to a scam that began innocuously, an attempt to dispute an unauthorized PayPal transaction. This simple act, meant to protect her finances, set off a catastrophic series of events. In what is becoming an increasingly familiar tactic, a scammer contacted the woman, posing as someone investigating her claim. Rather than offering help, this individual ensnared her in an elaborate scheme that lasted over a year.

    Throughout this time, the scammer slowly but methodically isolated the woman, ensuring she stayed dependent on them for resolution. Each interaction with the fraudster appeared necessary, a means to resolve what seemed like an escalating crisis. The scammer convinced the victim that ongoing payments, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 at a time, were essential for the supposed investigation to continue.

    Payment methods like Bitcoin and gift cards were deliberately chosen to make the transactions difficult to trace and recover. By the end of 2023, the woman had already lost $400,000. But the deception did not end there. By the time police were involved, her losses had reached a staggering $800,000.

    What makes this story especially tragic is not only the financial loss, but the psychological isolation the scammer imposed. Over the course of a year, the victim became more and more reliant on the scammer, cut off from potential sources of support and advice. The scammer’s tactics ensured that any skepticism or outside intervention was avoided, perpetuating the cycle of deceit. Scammers often exploit vulnerabilities, including the fear of embarrassment or distrust in official channels, to keep victims silent.

    Lincoln Police underscored the importance of quick action in such situations, urging those who suspect fraud to report it immediately and break all contact with scammers. This case is a reminder that even seemingly legitimate inquiries, like disputing a PayPal charge, can become a gateway to complex scams. PayPal itself emphasizes that it will never ask for sensitive personal information, such as passwords or SMS codes, through unofficial channels like emails or phone calls.

    This story also highlights the critical need for loved ones to stay engaged, especially with elderly family members, who are often targeted due to their trusting nature and unfamiliarity with new forms of financial fraud. Recognizing the signs of isolation and frequent unexplained financial transactions can make the difference between preventing further loss and enduring the emotional toll that follows such scams.

    As scams become increasingly sophisticated, fostering open conversations about fraud is essential. Victims should know they are not alone and that help is available. Early intervention can save not just money but also prevent the devastating isolation that allows these fraudsters to operate for months, or even years.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , elderly, , ,   

    Elderly Victim Robbed During Scam 

    Elderly Victim Robbed During Scam

    By Greg Collier

    A recent incident in Houston, Texas, highlights the growing threat of scams targeting the elderly, leaving victims vulnerable to devastating financial losses. In July, an 80-year-old woman fell prey to a sophisticated scheme that ended with her losing $76,000.

    The scam began with a phone call from an individual posing as a bank employee, warning the woman that her bank had been hacked. This person instructed the victim to transfer her funds to a cryptocurrency kiosk for safekeeping. To further the scam, the victim was convinced to download an app that allowed the scammer to take control of her phone remotely.

    Following these instructions, the victim went to a convenience store to deposit $19,000 into a cryptocurrency kiosk. Sadly, while at the location, she was robbed of the cash by two unidentified males who grabbed the envelope and ran off. It remains unclear whether they were directly connected to the scam or simply taking advantage of the situation.

    What makes this case particularly alarming is that, even after the robbery, the scammer contacted the victim again. Despite having just lost a significant amount of money, the victim was manipulated into returning to the same location to deposit another $19,000. Over the course of four days, the elderly woman withdrew a total of $76,000 under the scammer’s instructions.

    In addition to the direct theft, the scammer provided coaching on what to tell bank employees when questioned about the large withdrawals. The victim was advised to claim the money was needed for home repairs, with the implication that even the bank staff couldn’t be trusted.

    There were several key warning signs in this scam that others should be mindful of to avoid falling victim. The scam began with an unsolicited phone call from someone posing as a bank employee, which is a common tactic used to catch victims off guard. Legitimate financial institutions typically don’t initiate calls out of the blue regarding account issues, making this the first red flag. The scammer then created a sense of urgency, pressuring the victim to transfer her money into a cryptocurrency kiosk under the guise of protecting her funds. It’s important to remember that banks or financial institutions will never ask customers to make transfers like this to safeguard their accounts.

    Another critical sign of deception was the request for the victim to download a remote access app, which allowed the scammer full control of her phone. No credible business or bank would ever ask for such invasive access to a personal device. Additionally, the scammer coached the victim to lie to bank employees if questioned about the withdrawals, further isolating her and fostering distrust in those who could have helped. When someone advises lying to a financial institution, it’s a clear indication of foul play.

    The repeated demands for large cash withdrawals over a short period should have also raised concern. Such behavior is unusual and suspicious, particularly when accompanied by the insistence that even bank employees couldn’t be trusted. This sowing of mistrust is a classic scam tactic, used to manipulate victims into relying solely on the scammer’s instructions.

    Recognizing these signs, unexpected calls, urgent financial requests, remote access demands, secrecy, and isolation, can help prevent falling prey to similar schemes. Always take the time to verify claims through trusted channels before taking any action.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , elderly, , ,   

    Elderly Scam Victim Who Robbed Bank Pleads Guilty 

    Elderly Scam Victim who Robbed Bank Pleads Guilty

    By Greg Collier

    In a world increasingly connected by technology, we often celebrate the convenience and opportunities it brings. However, this same technology opens the door to manipulation and exploitation, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly. One case in Ohio has left many discussing the dramatic actions of an elderly woman who robbed a bank, but few are talking about the real tragedy behind her crime, the fact that she was scammed.

    The woman in question, a 75-year-old, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and now faces a potential sentence of up to 12 years in prison. Her crime? Walking into an Ohio credit union, brandishing a gun, and demanding money from the teller. She left with only $580 before being arrested later that same day. While the headlines have focused on the shock of a senior citizen committing such a bold crime, the larger story is how she got there in the first place.

    Before her life took a drastic turn, this woman was likely just like many other seniors, living quietly and trusting those she encountered. According to police, she had been in communication with someone online who deceived her, a scam that drained her finances and left her desperate. She had borrowed tens of thousands of dollars from family and friends to send to someone who claimed to be with U.S. Customs. What no one seems to be discussing is how this exploitation may have pushed her toward a reckless decision that now sees her awaiting sentencing.

    We often hear about bank robberies and crimes involving firearms, but less attention is given to the underlying causes, especially when those causes are rooted in manipulation. This woman’s alleged scam loss wasn’t just financially devastating, it stripped away her trust, her sense of security, and potentially her freedom. The real question is, was she coerced into robbing the bank by the scammer, or did she act out of sheer desperation to try to recover what she lost?

    Online scams targeting seniors are alarmingly common and take many forms, fake lotteries, investment schemes, or phony romantic relationships. For those who are isolated or less familiar with modern technology, the internet can be a dangerous place. These scams don’t just steal money; they take away dignity, trust, and sometimes push victims to drastic measures. In this case, the desperate measure was a bank robbery.

    While it’s shocking that this woman walked into a bank with a gun, the bigger tragedy is that her actions stemmed from a deeply flawed system that often fails to protect the elderly from scams. Her situation could have been prevented if the signs of exploitation had been caught earlier, if there had been more awareness and support for elderly scam victims, or if she had felt safe coming forward without fear of judgment or ridicule.

    We tend to view scam victims through a lens of embarrassment and shame, but that only drives them further into isolation. How many other seniors are sitting in silence right now, too ashamed to admit they’ve been scammed? How many are too fearful to ask for help, fearing they’ll be ridiculed by family or friends? That sense of isolation often drives victims into financial ruin or, in extreme cases, criminal behavior.

    What we need is more conversation around the impact of scams on the elderly, particularly the long-term emotional and financial consequences. We need to remove the stigma surrounding scam victims and create an environment where seniors feel empowered to seek assistance. Had this woman felt comfortable disclosing the scam sooner, the entire situation may have been avoided.

    No one is excusing her actions, but we need to understand the bigger picture. This wasn’t just a robbery, it was the end result of a cruel scam that turned a vulnerable person into a criminal. And unless we start talking more openly about how scams devastate lives, this won’t be the last time someone feels trapped enough to take drastic measures.

    Scams aren’t just minor inconveniences. They destroy lives, break families, and sometimes lead people to act in ways they never thought possible. It’s time we paid attention to the real story. The crime here isn’t just the robbery, it’s the scam that pushed her to the edge. Let’s not ignore that any longer.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 21, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , elderly, landscaping, ,   

    Elderly victim threatened in landscaping scam 

    By Greg Collier

    A 79-year-old Navy veteran from the San Diego area recently fell victim to a landscaping scam that cost him $15,000. This unsettling incident serves as a warning to the community about the dangers of door-to-door offers, especially targeting seniors.

    The man was approached last month by a group of landscapers offering to make some improvements for what seemed like a good price. He explained that he felt coerced into paying the scammers after they intimidated him.

    The crew, led by a man who claimed they were working in the neighborhood, offered to mulch the man’s lawn for $10 a bag. Estimating the job would require about 40 bags, he agreed to the service. However, shortly after, three additional trucks arrived, and the crew began unloading a massive amount of mulch. The man was instructed to stay inside to avoid being “in the way.”

    To his shock, just one hour later, he received an invoice for $19,000, allegedly for 1,900 bags of mulch. When he questioned the invoice, the scammers became increasingly aggressive. Fearing for his and his wife’s safety, he negotiated the amount down to $15,000 and was instructed to write two checks to different people for $7,500 each.

    Despite the financial loss, the man is speaking out to prevent others from falling victim. A spokesperson from the District Attorney’s office expressed concern about the scam, noting that it involved local suspects potentially targeting seniors. The spokesperson urged anyone who feels they have been the victim of any elder abuse to report it to local law enforcement.

    By following these steps, you can help protect yourself from landscaping scams and ensure that you receive legitimate and fair services. Avoid making immediate decisions when approached by door-to-door salespeople offering services. Politely decline and take the time to research the company before agreeing to any work.

    If asked to go inside or away from the work area, be cautious and periodically check the progress. If you feel pressured or suspect fraud, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement immediately.

    While it might be tempting to accept offers from door-to-door service providers, it’s crucial to exercise caution and due diligence. Unsolicited services often come with high risks of fraud and exploitation, especially targeting vulnerable individuals. Protect yourself by researching and verifying businesses, and always consult trusted sources before making decisions. Remember, safeguarding your home and finances starts with being informed and suspicious against unsolicited offers.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , elderly, ,   

    Scammer made $50M in $30 scam 

    Scammer made $50M in $30 scam

    By Greg Collier

    The recent sentencing of a scammer from New Jersey by federal authorities serves as yet another case offering us a glimpse into the inner workings of various scams. His scam might even be deemed ingenious if it weren’t for the unfortunate reality that he targeted one of the most vulnerable segments of the population, stealing their hard-earned money.

    For more than a decade, the scammer diligently dispatched 750,000 letters per month to potential victims, with the majority being elderly individuals. These letters all bore promises of a cash prize, contingent on the recipient paying a $30 processing fee. This might ring a bell as the classic advance payment scam or sweepstakes scam. Essentially, victims are lured into paying a small amount with the promise of a larger prize. The scammer typically escalates the requested amounts, conjuring up various excuses for the delay in prize disbursement. In reality, there is no prize, and the scammers are simply leading their victims on for additional payments.

    Among the multitude of letters dispatched, approximately 2% of recipients reportedly took the bait. This translated to a staggering monthly income of $450,000 for the scammer. Allegedly, he had tapped into a pool of victims who had fallen prey to scams before, having purchased a list from other fraudsters. Upon a victim’s response, the scammer would send out additional letters with a similar pitch but appearing to originate from different entities. In numerous cases, the victims, often elderly and on fixed incomes, found themselves in poor health, hoping that the promised prize money would enable them to seek much-needed treatment.

    Despite facing arrest for orchestrating these scams, the scammer brazenly persisted in sending out deceptive prize letters to victims while awaiting sentencing. Just last week, the perpetrator received a federal prison sentence of five years.

    This scheme reveals that scammers are willing to cast a wide net in hopes of snaring just a few victims. Take, for instance, the mystery of how scammers pinpoint the banks their targets are affiliated within their deceptive text alerts. The truth is, they don’t. They inundate people with a barrage of messages pretending to be a prominent regional bank, knowing only a small number will take the bait. By successfully tricking a handful of respondents, scammers manage to pilfer enough to sustain their lucrative operation.

    Keeping our elderly relatives informed is crucial in safeguarding them from such heartless scams. Remind them that it’s illegal for anyone to request money for a supposed sweepstakes prize. No one’s parents or grandparents should have to endure the financial torment that these scams bring. Empowering them with knowledge is a powerful tool in the fight against these schemes.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 14, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , elderly,   

    Protecting the elderly from scams 

    By Greg Collier

    While young people are just as susceptible to scams, the elderly have long been a target of scammers. Recently, the Better Business Bureau released a list of signs to look out for that could indicate an elderly loved one is bing scammed.

    Unsolicited Mail or Emails: Scammers often send unsolicited mail or emails promising prizes, lottery winnings, or other offers that require upfront payments or personal information.

    Sudden Financial Changes: If your elderly relative experiences sudden financial changes, such as large withdrawals or transfers of money, unpaid bills, missing funds, or payments to unfamiliar companies, it could be a red flag.

    Changes in Behavior: Look for changes in behavior, such as increased anxiety, withdrawal from social activities, or secrecy about financial matters. If they’re being secretive about phone calls, that could be an indicator that a scammer has already made inroads to their finances.

    Loss of Assets: If your relative unexpectedly sells valuable possessions, real estate, or investments without a clear reason, it could be a sign of financial exploitation. Another indicator could be that your loved one is going without necessities such as food or utilities.

    If your loved one has already fallen victim to a scammer, there are steps you can take to help them.

    First, you should have an open and non-judgmental conversation with your relative about your concerns. Listen to their side of the story. Keep records of any suspicious communications, transactions, or individuals involved. Lastly, report the scam to authorities.

    However, the best thing you can do for them is to educate them on common scams and strategies to protect themselves from future scams.

    Remember, it’s essential to maintain your elderly loved one’s dignity and autonomy while helping them stay safe from scams. Encourage them to stay vigilant and seek support from trusted friends and family members.

    You can find more tips about scams and the elderly at this link.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 31, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , elderly, , , , ,   

    It’s the season for more scams against seniors 

    It's the season for more scams against seniors

    By Greg Collier

    Senior citizens are often the targets of scams because of a perceived unfamiliarity with technology. This is a recurring theme throughout the year. However, until December 7th, seniors will be the target of even more scams. That’s because now is the open enrollment period for Medicare. Until December 7th, Medicare recipients will be able to decide if they want to stay with their current Medicare coverage or switch to a new insurer. Unfortunately, open enrollment is also open season for Medicare scammers.

    The most prevalent scam seniors will have to look out for are identity theft schemes. Scammers will call their senior victims, posing as either Medicare or some other insurer. The scammers will try to get their victims to give them their personal information by asking the victim to verify their identity. In some instances, scammers will try to get the victim’s personal information by promising them better benefits at a lower cost.

    It’s not just identity theft the scammers are after, either. Medicare fraud has been a growing problem for years. Medicare scammers could use their victim’s Medicare information to file for fraudulent benefits. Not only does this make Medicare more expensive, but could also limit a recipient’s benefits in the future.

    Please keep in mind that Medicare or some other insurer is probably not calling you. Even if the number shows up on your phone as Medicare, the odds are the call isn’t from them. Phone numbers can be easily spoofed to make the call appear like it’s coming from Medicare.

    In the majority of cases, if you feel the need to change your coverage, you need to call Medicare or your insurer. If someone calls you claiming to be from Medicare during open enrollment, you can hang up the call. You are not required to take any calls that appear to be from Medicare. Then call Medicare or your insurer from the number on the back of your insurance card.

    And always remember to never give your Medicare or insurance ID number to any strangers over the phone.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 20, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , elderly, , ,   

    Does the grandparent scam follow a script? 

    Does the grandparent scam follow a script?

    By Greg Collier

    The grandparent scam is one of the most frequently discussed scams on this blog. Unfortunately, we have to keep discussing it because the scam continues to find victims. There’s not a week that goes by when we don’t see a new article about another elderly person being taken for thousands of dollars by these scammers. Yet, the scam continues to perpetuate. It’s gotten to the point where it seems like grandparent scammers are all reading from the same script.

    For example, an elderly woman in a Chicago suburb was recently taken for $16,000 in a grandparent scam. She received a phone call from someone claiming to be her grandson. During that call, a man claiming to be her grandson’s attorney got on the phone. The attorney told the woman that her grandson had caused a car crash which resulted in a pregnant woman losing her baby.

    The attorney said that the woman’s grandson would need $16,000 to be released from jail. The woman was then instructed that a courier would come by her home to pick up the money. She was also told that a judge placed a gag order on the proceedings, so she wasn’t allowed to tell anyone else what was going on with her grandson.

    After the woman gave the cash to the supposed courier, the attorney called her again the next day. This time, he was asking for $70,000 since her grandson was being sued. The woman spoke with a family member, who told her that she was being scammed. Police tried contacting the attorney, but at this point, the attorney’s phone number was no longer answering calls.

    If there was a textbook definition of the grandparent scam, this would be it. Scammers find an elderly victim because there’s usually a good chance they have grandchildren. Then the fake grandchild claims to be in trouble, but not to the extent where the victim would be required to call the rest of the family.

    In addition to there being a car accident, scammers add extra drama to the story to put the victim in an emotionally charged state. A pregnant woman losing her baby is a favorite among scammers to achieve that.

    Then comes the phony gag order. This is the scammer’s way of trying to make sure the victim doesn’t talk to any other family members. Previously, the phony grandchildren would ask the victim not to tell anyone else in the family out of embarrassment. But a gag order sounds more legally binding and has a better chance of getting the victim to keep quiet. In actual legal proceedings, gag orders do not work that way. Gag orders are usually issued in very high-profile cases to prevent participants from speaking to the media.

    As far as couriers go, attorneys, bail bondsmen, and police, never send couriers to collect any kind of bail or bond money. This money has to be paid to the court or a bail bondsman in person. They do not employ couriers to go to homes to pick up bail money.

    Lastly, if someone gives a scammer money once, the scammer will try to take more money from the same victim.

    As always with scams like this, if someone claims a loved one of yours is in legal trouble, you can hang up on that call and contact the person who’s supposedly in trouble. Only scammers will try to pressure you into staying on the phone.

    If you have a loved one who you believe may be susceptible to this scam, please share this story with them or any of the many news articles about the grandparent scam.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 12, 2021 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: elderly, , ,   

    Grandparent scam still sending strangers to your door 

    Grandparent scam still sending strangers to your door

    The grandparent scam is terrifying enough as it is. It preys on the elderly and convinces them that a family member is in grave danger. Then if the scam is successful, it can take thousands of dollars that an elderly person needs to survive. That’s not even taking into account the embarrassment victims often feel after being scammed. In recent times, scammers have even sent strangers to victims’ homes to pick up the money that the victims think is getting their loved one out of trouble. Such a thing just happened to an elderly couple in Michigan.

    The couple received a call from someone claiming to be their granddaughter. She said that she had been arrested after a vehicular accident. The impersonator then instructed the couple to call a friend’s father who happened to be a lawyer. When the couple called the supposed lawyer, they were told their granddaughter was in serious trouble and would $12,000 for bail. The phony attorney then sent a ‘courier’ to collect the money. The next day the lawyer called back saying he needed an additional $14,000. Thankfully, the actual granddaughter showed up before they lost any more money.

    These couriers that the scammers send could literally be anybody. They could just be an unwitting participant, or they could be the scammer themselves. At best, you’re ‘just’ losing money to the scammer. At worst, they could be someone who is scouting out the home for a possible burglary or worse. If you’ve already given the scammer money, they could always come back and try to get more, or your valuables.

    As always, it is recommended that if you receive a call like this to contact the person first who is supposedly in trouble. If you can’t contact them, you can always call the police department where they’re supposedly being held, and they should be able to tell you if this is a scam or not.

    And as we always recommend, if you know an elderly person or couple who live alone and do not have access to the internet, please let them know about this scam. Also, consider setting up a family password for just such emergencies, so you can verify the person calling is who they say they are.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 31, 2020 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: elderly, , , ,   

    Scammers are showing up at seniors’ doors 

    Scammers are showing up at seniors' doors

    If you’re not a senior citizen yourself, you may have an elderly relative. They may live alone and a great distance from you. Would you want strangers showing up to their door and taking thousands of dollars in your relative’s money? How upsetting to you would that be if it happened to someone in your family? Unfortunately, this is happening to many families around the country in this scary new twist on the grandparent scam.

    Just in case you’re unfamiliar with the grandparent scam it’s when a scammer calls a senior citizen and poses as one of their grandchildren or some other relative. The scammers will say that they’re in some kind of trouble. Usually, they’ll say that they’ve been arrested and need money for bail. Other times they’ll say that they’re in the hospital and need money for treatment. We’ve even seen some cases where they’ll say they’re overseas and they need money to get home.

    As you can see, the common goal of the scam is to get money from elderly victims. Scammers used to get money from their victims in this scam by having them buy gift cards and having the victims give the gift card numbers to the scammer over the phone. Just as an aside, we’d like to remind you that gift cards are commonly used in all sorts of scams, so please keep in mind that no legitimate company or agency will ask for payment over the phone in gift cards.

    Now, grandparent scammers have developed an increasingly worrying tactic. Instead of asking for gift cards over the phone, scammers are employing go-betweens who act as couriers to pick up the money personally. In at least one case in Ohio, a woman was scammed out of $15,000 when a scammer posed as her grandson in Florida claiming to need bail. The scammers had someone go to her home and physically collect the $15,000 in cash.

    While we haven’t heard of any of these scammers getting physical with their victims, the potential is always there.

    The best way to deal with these scams is to contact the person the scammers are claiming to be. Scammers may sound convincing due to the fact that they get a lot of their information from social media. However, even if the call is real no one is going to be sentenced to life in prison or thrown out of the hospital if you hang up on the phone call from the supposed grandchild.

    If you know an elderly person or couple who live alone and do not have access to the internet, please let them know about this scam. Also, consider setting up a family password for just such emergencies so you can verify the person calling is who they say they are.

     

    • Dave Smith 8:45 pm on August 31, 2020 Permalink

      They sound convincing, one called me and sounded just like my grandson from of out state.
      When I ask him what his mother’s name was, what was my name, what was his father’s name he started acting like the phone connection was bad, I told him until he could answer my questions I wasnt sending him anything. He hung up the phone. They are very convincing,
      If I hadn’t worked in Security I would have believed the story. DO NOT DO ANY BUSINESS ON THE PHONE!

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