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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 18, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Apple ( 31 ), FTC ( 17 ), gold bars, impersonation scam ( 148 ), Scams ( 1,386 )   

  Fake Apple Email Led to a $430,000 Gold Bar Scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the quiet town of Prescott, Wisconsin, a woman’s financial nightmare began with what appeared to be a legitimate email from Apple. The message warned her that her IP address had been compromised, prompting her to call a number provided. That call set off a chain of events that ultimately drained her retirement savings, costing her more than $430,000. The funds, which she converted into gold bars at the direction of scammers, vanished without a trace.

  Her story is one of nearly 50 reported cases in Wisconsin, where victims have collectively lost approximately $13 million to similar scams. These schemes are highly sophisticated, targeting older individuals with significant savings by exploiting their trust in well-known companies and government agencies.

  The email appeared harmless, a routine security alert from Apple. Trusting the brand, the woman dialed the number provided and was connected to someone claiming to be the head of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The imposter warned her that her identity had been stolen, and her bank accounts were at risk. To protect her funds, he advised her to liquidate her savings and purchase gold bars. These, he assured her, would be safeguarded by the Federal Reserve.

  The scammers maintained an air of urgency, keeping constant contact and coaching her to lie to bank tellers, claiming she was helping a family member with business investments. After purchasing the gold, couriers arrived at her home to collect it. They promised the gold was secure, but it was gone for good.

  In this instance, couriers were pivotal. Tasked with retrieving the gold bars, they traveled extensively, their movements spanning multiple states. Fortunately, some were apprehended during coordinated sting operations, but these arrests only touched the surface of a broader, more insidious network. Such schemes often originate overseas, beyond the reach of local law enforcement.

  For victims, justice offers little consolation. The Prescott woman has yet to recover a dime of her stolen savings, and the chances of restitution are slim. The emotional and financial toll persists, leaving her fearful of even basic financial activities.

  Scammers often impersonate trusted brands like Apple or even government officials to manipulate their victims. It’s crucial to remember that legitimate companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook will never tell you if your bank account has been compromised. They do not have access to that information. Likewise, the FTC and its officials will never demand immediate financial actions or direct you to purchase gold.

  If you receive a suspicious call or email, hang up or delete it immediately. Contact the company or organization directly using verified contact information from their official website. If someone claims to be from your bank, end the call and dial your bank’s official number to confirm the legitimacy of the request. Scammers rely on fear and urgency, but taking a moment to verify can protect you from becoming their next victim.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold bars, impostor scam ( 16 ), moving money ( 4 ), pop-ups ( 26 ), Scams ( 1,386 ), tech support scam ( 51 )   

  Impostor Scams at Your Door 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Impostor scams have taken a bold and alarming turn, with criminals now appearing at victims’ homes to collect cash or gold payments. This troubling trend, observed recently in Portland, Oregon, is part of a larger international fraud scheme that primarily targets seniors. The scammers use increasingly audacious and manipulative tactics, leaving their victims financially devastated and emotionally shaken.

  The scam typically starts with a computer pop-up or a phone call, usually from someone claiming to be tech support. Once the victim is drawn in, the scammers pretend to transfer the call to a federal agency, such as the FBI. They use official-sounding jargon, fabricated documents, and scare tactics, making victims believe their assets are at risk of being frozen or that they are implicated in a serious crime. The goal is to instill a sense of urgency, prompting the victim to liquidate their assets as a so-called protective measure.

  A common element in these schemes is the false assurance that ‘moving’ money or converting savings into cash or gold is necessary to keep accounts safe. Scammers often spin an elaborate narrative, claiming that transferring funds or purchasing gold is essential for safeguarding against identity theft or other threats. However, there is no legitimate circumstance where converting assets or handing over cash will actually protect a bank account. This is simply a ploy used by criminals to trick victims into parting with their money.

  In Oregon, recent cases have highlighted the extent of the problem. Over the past six months, several incidents have resulted in losses exceeding $3.3 million. Seniors are especially vulnerable due to their trusting nature and the effectiveness of fear-based manipulation. The tactics used can be relentless, ranging from phone threats to fabricated documents that appear legitimate, all aimed at persuading victims to give up their savings.

  The evolution of these scams to include in-person payment collection marks a disturbing escalation. Victims may be instructed to meet a ‘courier’ at their home and hand over cash or gold. In some cases, the exchange is as simple as the scammer pulling up in a car, rolling down the window, and quickly driving off with the package. The rushed nature of these encounters leaves little time for victims to question the legitimacy of the situation or seek advice.

  To avoid falling prey to such schemes, it is crucial to recognize the signs of potential fraud. Understanding that no legitimate agency or financial institution will ever require cash withdrawals or gold purchases is key. Financial institutions have secure procedures for handling account issues and do not involve doorstep collections. Moreover, allowing someone remote access to your computer opens the door to further exploitation, as scammers can manipulate accounts and gather sensitive information.

  If someone does come to your home under suspicious circumstances, it’s vital not to engage. Instead, contact the authorities to verify their identity and report the incident. Sharing this knowledge can help protect others from becoming victims of these scams. The more people understand the tactics used and the potential risks, the harder it will be for scammers to succeed.

  The emergence of impostor scams involving doorstep collections signals a shift in criminal tactics, underlining the importance of remaining skeptical of unsolicited calls or online pop-ups. There is no such thing as ‘protecting’ assets by moving them around or paying oneself back. Once cash or valuables are handed over to a scammer, the money is essentially gone, with little chance of recovery.

  Raising awareness and taking precautions are vital steps toward preventing future losses. Recognizing the signs of fraud, understanding the tactics used, and promptly reporting suspicious activity can make a significant difference in protecting oneself and loved ones from financial harm.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: elder scam ( 7 ), gold bars, impersonation scam ( 148 ), Scams ( 1,386 ), seniors ( 9 )   

  Gold bar scams are still on the rise 

  

  By Greg Collier

  The golden years, a time meant for relaxation and enjoyment, are being overshadowed by a growing and sinister threat in the Washington D.C. area, gold bar scams.

  These scams often start with something as innocuous as a pop-up ad online or a fraudulent phone call. Posing as law enforcement officers, scammers convince their victims to convert their life savings into gold bars, supposedly for ‘safekeeping’. Once the gold is handed over, it disappears, leaving victims with shattered finances and a sense of betrayal.

  The scale of the scam in the D.C. area alone is alarming, with victims ranging in age from 61 to 94. Some have lost their entire life savings, with individual losses reaching into the millions. The criminals behind these scams are sophisticated, preying on the trust and sensibilities of their targets, making them believe they are dealing with legitimate federal agents.

  This problem isn’t confined to one area. Across the nation, similar scams have been reported, with a significant number of complaints related to couriers collecting gold bars from unsuspecting victims. The money, once handed over, is often laundered and sent overseas, making recovery nearly impossible and leaving victims and their families to deal with the consequences.

  The emotional and financial toll on the victims and their families is profound. The sense of security and trust that should define the golden years is being eroded by these heartless schemes. Many victims are left feeling isolated and vulnerable, questioning their judgment and struggling with the loss of their financial stability.

  To protect against these scams, it’s crucial to be cautious. Recognizing that legitimate federal agents will never ask for money in the form of gold bars is key. It’s also important to be wary of unfamiliar phone calls or online ads that could be the first step in a scam. Sharing this information with elderly loved ones and encouraging open communication about any suspicious contacts can help prevent these devastating losses.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on July 26, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: FBI ( 22 ), gold bars, impersonation scam ( 148 ), Scams ( 1,386 )   

  FBI warns elderly about gold scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Recently, a distressing trend has emerged across Montgomery County, Maryland, where senior citizens have been targeted by sophisticated scams involving gold bars. These scams are not isolated incidents, but part of a larger nationwide trend that has seen seniors losing millions of dollars to criminals posing as government officials or representatives from reputable organizations.

  These scams have resulted in significant financial losses nationwide in just the latter half of last year. The methods of these scammers are alarmingly consistent. They often impersonate tech support, financial, or government officials, claiming that the victim’s financial accounts have been compromised. The scammers then pressure the victims into converting their assets into cash or valuables, such as gold or silver, supposedly to protect them from hackers. Once the conversion is complete, the scammers arrange to collect the assets, sometimes even sending couriers to the victim’s home.

  Montgomery County has been a particular hotspot for these scams. One particularly heartbreaking case involved an elderly retiree who lost nearly $1 million after being tricked by individuals posing as federal agents. This all began with a simple click on a pop-up ad that warned of spyware. The scammers convinced her to convert her life savings into gold bars and hand them over to a courier. Fortunately, she realized the deception before handing over more than $2 million in additional assets.

  Another recent case involved an elderly man from Bethesda who was similarly deceived by a caller pretending to be from a government agency. Over nine trips to a local gold store, he converted over a million dollars into gold bars. It was only after seeing a news report about similar scams in the area that he contacted the police, who then set up a sting operation and arrested the suspect.

  Authorities have made several arrests in connection with these scams. A suspect from Brooklyn, New York, was apprehended when he attempted to collect a box of supposed gold bars handed over by an undercover detective posing as a victim. In another case, another suspect was arrested following the sting operation involving the Bethesda man. These arrests are part of ongoing efforts to combat this surge in scams targeting vulnerable seniors.

  The FBI and local authorities have issued warnings to help protect seniors from falling prey to these scams. They emphasize the importance of verifying any calls claiming to be from government officials or businesses, as they would never ask you to convert your assets into gold or other valuables. It is crucial to guard personal information and be cautious online, avoiding unknown ads or pop-ups and not allowing unknown individuals access to your computer. If you suspect you have been contacted by a scammer, report the incident to the FBI or reach out to relevant hotlines for assistance.

  These scams are not limited to Montgomery County; they are part of a troubling national trend. Reports of similar scams have surfaced across the country, with seniors being particularly vulnerable. The scale and sophistication of these operations highlight the urgent need for nationwide awareness and preventive measures. By understanding that these threats exist beyond local communities, we can work together to protect seniors from falling victim to these deceptive schemes.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 28, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold bars, impersonation scam ( 148 ), police impersonation scam ( 65 ), Scams ( 1,386 )   

  More scammers force victims to buy gold 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a concerning incident highlighting the ongoing threat of financial scams, two college students from Ohio were recently arrested in Bourbon County, Kentucky, after allegedly scamming an elderly woman out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the FBI, uncovered the elaborate scheme and apprehended the suspects.

  According to the victim, she had been contacted via email and phone by individuals posing as IRS agents and representatives from her financial organization. The scammers convinced her that her account had been hacked, prompting her to withdraw hundreds of thousands of dollars from her bank under the pretext of home remodeling plans.

  Under the scammers’ instructions, the woman deposited a substantial sum at a bitcoin location. But the deception didn’t end there. The perpetrators also persuaded her to wire additional funds to New York to purchase gold bars valued at nearly a quarter of a million dollars. The gold bars were then shipped to her home in Bourbon County, where the scammers intended to collect them.

  Acting swiftly, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the FBI, intercepted the scammers. Authorities listened to multiple phone conversations that detailed the scheme. When the suspects arrived to retrieve the gold bars, law enforcement officers were ready and took them into custody.

  During questioning, the suspects admitted to committing similar scams in the past, including a case in Ohio where they stole a significant amount of cash from another victim. Both suspects have been charged with conspiracy to commit theft by deception over $10,000.

  Protecting yourself from scams like the one described requires awareness, and proactive measures. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

  If you receive a call, email, or message claiming to be from a government agency (such as the IRS) or a financial institution, do not provide any personal information. Instead, independently verify the contact by calling the official number listed on the agency’s or institution’s official website.

  Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt hasty actions. Be suspicious of any unsolicited communication that demands immediate action or payment.

  Notify your financial institution immediately if you believe your account has been compromised or if you have been instructed to make unusual transactions.

  If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, report it to local law enforcement or the appropriate federal agency, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 3, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Amazon ( 108 ), gold bars, impersonation scam ( 148 ), Scams ( 1,386 )   

  Gold increasingly demanded as payment in scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a time when digital transactions dominate, gold, the age-old symbol of wealth and stability, seems like a relic of the past. However, recent trends suggest otherwise. Surprisingly, gold is making a comeback, not on the trading floors of Wall Street, but in the shadowy realms of online scams. From fraudulent investment schemes to sophisticated phishing tactics, scammers are increasingly demanding gold as payment.

  An 80-year-old woman from Cherokee County, Georgia, found herself embroiled in a sophisticated fraud scheme that cost her more than $150,000. It all began with a seemingly innocuous call from an individual posing as an Amazon employee, expressing concern about a purported unauthorized purchase.

  Initially, when the victim received the call, she was eventually redirected to an individual claiming to be an employee of the U.S. Treasury Department. This imposter persuaded the woman to procure $1,500 worth of gift cards and disclose their details over the phone. Subsequently, after the gift card funds were transferred, the caller instructed the woman to wire $50,000 to a bank in New York.

  Following the suspect’s directives, the woman was later instructed to purchase 40 ounces of gold from a nearby distributor. She complied, acquiring the gold valued at approximately $100,000, and handed it over to an individual she believed to be a Treasury employee at a local establishment, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

  The extent of the deception became apparent when the victim finally confided in a family member, prompting swift action from authorities. In a meticulously planned sting operation, investigators apprehended a 27-year-old suspect from Ontario, Canada. However, the suspect’s arrest only scratched the surface of a larger criminal network spanning across continents, with ties to India and the United Kingdom.

  With older Americans increasingly becoming targets of financial exploitation, law enforcement agencies stress the importance of skepticism when dealing with unsolicited requests for money or personal information. Remember, legitimate organizations will never request payment in the form of cash, gold, cryptocurrency, or gift cards over the phone. All of these forms of payment are largely untraceable once they leave your possession. If someone you don’t know personally asks for any of these as a type of payment over the phone, it should raise immediate suspicion.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 17, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold bars, malware ( 26 ), moving money ( 4 ), police impersonation scam ( 65 ), pop-ups ( 26 ), Scams ( 1,386 )   

  Another gold scam claims $115,000 from elderly couple 

  

  By Greg Collier

  An elderly Nebraska couple recently fell victim to a particularly elaborate and harrowing fraud scheme, losing a staggering $115,000 in the process. The couple’s computer abruptly shut down, signaling the beginning of their descent into a web of deceit. Upon rebooting, a distressing message purportedly warning of a malware issue flashed on their screen, accompanied by a phone number. Little did they know, this was the first step in an intricate ploy orchestrated by heartless scammers.

  The voice on the other end of the line spun a tale of theft and false accusations, claiming that the FBI was investigating the couple for heinous crimes they hadn’t committed. Fueled by fear and confusion, the couple was coerced into believing they were facing imminent legal repercussions and that their bank accounts were in jeopardy.

  As the days passed, the manipulative tactics intensified, culminating in the demand to purchase gold bars purportedly for safekeeping. Entrusted with a significant sum of $115,000, the couple obediently complied, only to hand over their life savings to a stranger who promised to safeguard their wealth in a distant bank. Men showed up at their door in official looking vehicles claiming to be government agents.

  Tragically, their trust was misplaced, and the promised security was nothing more than an illusion. Days later, when reality came crashing down, it was too late. The realization that they had been duped dawned upon them, leaving them not only financially devastated but also emotionally shattered.

  This story sheds light on two troubling patterns in the realm of scams. Firstly, scammers are exhibiting a growing audacity by dispatching individuals to the residences of their victims. These individuals may either be complicit in the scam or unwittingly drawn into it. Regardless, such occurrences pose a significant risk to the safety and well-being of many.

  The rationale behind sending scammers to victims’ homes lies in the increasing preference for gold as a form of payment. Unlike gift cards or cryptocurrency, which can be transacted electronically, gold necessitates physical retrieval from the victims. Consequently, scammers exploit this requirement, manipulating victims into surrendering their valuables in person.

  Regrettably, gold, much like other forms of payment demanded by scammers, remains largely untraceable. This exacerbates the difficulty of apprehending and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

  Should your computer or any internet-connected device display a virus or malware warning prompting you to call a phone number, refrain from doing so. Most prominent tech companies eschew traditional customer service phone lines, with some even dissuading phone inquiries altogether. Thus, if you encounter such a phone number on your device, avoid calling it, as it’s highly likely to be a scam.

  Transferring your funds from one financial institution to another as a means of safeguarding them from hackers, thieves, or any other threat is not a viable strategy. Legitimate law enforcement agencies never solicit money from individuals over the phone, and reputable banks never advise customers to relocate their funds to a supposedly “protected” account.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on April 2, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold bars, police impersonation scam ( 65 ), Scams ( 1,386 ), social security ( 29 )   

  Social Security number scam leads to loss of $500K 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A resident of central Ohio, fell victim to a Social Security number scam, losing hundreds of thousands of dollars and upending her life’s plans. Her harrowing experience serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of vigilance and awareness in the face of fraudulent activities.

  It all started innocently enough for the victim. A phone call in March 2023, purportedly from the Social Security Administration, set off a chain of events that would change her life forever. Caller ID seemed to confirm the legitimacy of the call, but little did she know, she was being drawn into a web of deceit.

  As the victim recounted, the scammers were incredibly convincing, posing as federal agents and spinning a tale of her social security number being linked to criminal activities. Fearful and trusting in their authority, she complied with their demands, draining her retirement savings and investments to purchase gold under the guise of clearing her name from an alleged investigation. In all total, the victim paid around $500,000 to the scammers.

  What makes the victim’s story particularly alarming is the level of sophistication employed by the scammers. They manipulated her emotions, instilling fear and urgency to prevent her from seeking help or questioning their demands.

  Perhaps the most unsettling aspect of the victim’s ordeal was the physical intrusion into her life. On two occasions, individuals associated with the scam entered her home to collect the gold, further exacerbating her sense of violation and helplessness.

  Despite the traumatic nature of her experience, the victim is determined to turn her pain into purpose. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes. Education, she believes, is key to empowering individuals to recognize and resist fraudsters’ tactics.

  Whether it’s a suspicious phone call, email, or unexpected visitors at your door, trust your instincts and seek verification before divulging personal information or parting with your hard-earned money.

  The victim’s story should serve as a sobering reminder that anyone can fall victim to scams, but by staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from becoming the next target. Let her experience serve as a warning of awareness, guiding others away from the treacherous waters of deception and towards a safer, more secure future.

  Transferring your funds to clear your name isn’t a legitimate practice, even if instructed by someone purporting to represent a government agency. It’s crucial to recognize that no reputable law enforcement or government entity will ever request that you move money from your personal accounts as part of an investigation. Additionally, while investing in gold can be a viable option depending on market conditions, it’s essential to be wary if an unfamiliar individual pressures you to convert your assets into gold. Such demands are often indicative of fraudulent schemes aimed at deceiving unsuspecting individuals.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on March 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold bars, identity theft ( 108 ), police impersonation scam ( 65 ), Scams ( 1,386 )   

  Beware the gold bar scam: Protecting the elderly from financial predators 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the retirement communities across the nation, a disturbing trend has emerged, preying on the trust and vulnerability of its elderly residents. Recent reports reveal a harrowing scheme where criminals, cloaked in deception, lure unsuspecting victims into converting their hard-earned savings into gold bars, only to vanish into the shadows with millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains.

  The magnitude of this issue has prompted national attention, with the FBI issuing warnings to the public. The allure of gold, coupled with the anonymity afforded by online transactions, has emboldened scammers to exploit the vulnerabilities of the elderly. Unlike traditional banking transactions, which may raise red flags, wire transfers to gold bullion websites often fly under the radar, facilitating the seamless execution of fraudulent schemes.

  The intricate web of deception woven by these scammers illustrates the lengths to which they will go to exploit the innocence of their victims. Posing as officials from esteemed agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and law enforcement, they instill fear and confusion, coercing their targets into believing they are embroiled in federal investigations involving identity theft and illicit activities.

  Take, for instance, the case of a 64-year-old woman from Montgomery County, Maryland, who fell victim to the cunning ploys of a gold bar scammer. Posing as a federal investigator, the scammer exploited the victim’s fears of identity theft, coaxing her into converting a staggering $800,000 worth of assets into gold bars for purported protection. With meticulous orchestration, the scammer arranged clandestine meetings in nondescript locations, masquerading as a federal courier to abscond with the precious metal.

  The tale of deception didn’t end there. Thanks to the vigilance of a concerned relative, authorities were alerted to the scammer’s machinations. In a meticulously planned sting operation, law enforcement apprehended the scammer just as he was poised to seize another $376,000 from his unsuspecting victim. While one perpetrator has been brought to justice, the magnitude of this scam suggests that many more may still be lurking in the shadows.

  Despite concerted efforts by law enforcement, the under-reporting of such crimes remains a formidable obstacle. Victims, often plagued by feelings of embarrassment and shame, may choose to suffer in silence, exacerbating the prevalence of these scams. In Montgomery County alone, reports indicate at least a dozen victims, echoing a national trend of escalating financial exploitation targeting the elderly.

  Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these types of scams, as fraudsters capitalize on their trust and apprehensions. The appeal of gold bars lies in their perceived anonymity and universal value, making them an attractive target for criminals seeking to evade detection and maximize profits. The elderly, and anyone else, should be skeptical of unsolicited offers involving precious metals and jewelry.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on October 31, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: gold bars, impostor scam ( 16 ), pop-ups ( 26 ), Scams ( 1,386 ), tech support scam ( 51 )   

  Gold bar scammers scammed by police 

  

  By Greg Collier

  When it comes to collecting money from their victims, scammers prefer instant and untraceable forms of payment. In that vein, scammers frequently ask for payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, money transfers, or through payment apps like Zelle and Venmo. Some scammers even try to coax cold hard cash out of their victims. While cash is largely untraceable, it presents problems when trying to collect it. When a scammer asks for cash, they usually ask for it to be sent through courier services like UPS.

  Then, every once in a while, there are scammers who demand payment in one of the most conspicuous ways possible, gold bars. While technically untraceable, not only does the movement of gold attract a lot of attention, most people wouldn’t know how to convert their cash into gold in a short amount of time.

  That didn’t stop some scammers from trying their hands at getting some gold out of an elderly couple from Georgia. The couple received one of those infamous pop-ups on their computer that said their computer had been hacked. They called the number included in the message, and talked to a phony tech support call center.

  The fake support representative told the couple they definitely had a virus, then asked if they ever used their computer for online banking. They said they did, and the scammer asked which bank they used. After telling the scammer, the couple was told they were being transferred to their bank’s fraud department, which was just another member of the scam ring.

  The scammer posing as the fraud department told the couple their accounts had been compromised, and close to $200,000 in fraudulent transactions could leave them penniless. Then they were transferred to someone claiming to be an agent of the Federal Trade Commission. Again, this was just another scammer. However, the phony federal agent told the couple that in order to protect their money, they would need to withdraw their savings and convert into gold bars. The gold bars would need to be sent to Washington, D.C., where the FTC would issue a check to the couple. A courier would have to come to the couple’s home to pick up the gold.

  Currently, gold is around $2000 per ounce. For $200,000 that would be 100 ounces, which is 6.25 lbs of gold, or roughly 3 kilograms. The couple purchased the gold from a legitimate gold seller in Texas, but before they gave the gold to the scammers, they went to their local police.

  Knowing this was a scam, police set up a sting operation and waited for the courier to show up. Once he did, police were quick to apprehend him. It’s believed the scammer flew from Southern California to Georgia just to steal from the couple.

  This couple should be commended for following their gut when they did. Too often, we’ve seen elderly victims lose their life savings to less convoluted scams.

  Anytime someone you don’t know is telling you that you need to move your money to protect it, or pay yourself, they are trying to scam you. Moving your money is not a thing, and it doesn’t matter if you’re being told this by someone claiming to be from your bank, law enforcement, or any other position of authority, the person telling you this is an impostor.