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

    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 August 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , seniors   

    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.

     
  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , seniors,   

    Zelle scams hit seniors the hardest 

    Zelle scams hit seniors the hardest

    By Greg Collier

    For nearly two years, Zelle-related scams have persisted, affecting countless users who rely on this popular peer-to-peer payment app. Despite its widespread adoption and backing by major banks, the platform has become a fertile ground for fraudsters, exploiting vulnerabilities and leaving victims with little recourse. As the financial toll mounts, concerns about the app’s security and consumer protection measures continue to grow.

    A senior citizen living in Western Pennsylvania, with a disability and on a fixed income, was recently swindled out of over $1,400 through unauthorized transactions on Zelle, a cash app backed by America’s largest banks. As his financial stability is threatened, he echoes a sentiment that many fraud victims share, accountability should not fall on the victim.

    The issue of digital payment fraud has caught the attention of Congress as Americans report losing a staggering $10 billion through Zelle fraud in 2023 alone. One senator has described Zelle as the “dirty little secret” of American banks.

    The victim shared his frustration, revealing his bank statements and detailing the five unauthorized Zelle transactions from May. These transactions, ranging from $95 to $639, were debited from his account without his consent. For him, who relies on a fixed monthly income from Social Security Disability, losing over $1,400 is devastating.

    Despite disputing these transactions twice with his bank, he was told they were valid. His former bank insists he is liable for the transactions, and the amount has been sent to collections. This burden is nearly as much as his entire monthly disability check.

    Zelle, operated by the nation’s seven largest banks, is the most used peer-to-peer payment app, with transactions that are fast and, unfortunately for victims like him, permanent. Some lawmakers have criticized the banks for not doing enough to protect consumers.

    When approached about this case, the bank declined to comment on individual accounts but reiterated their efforts to educate customers on avoiding fraud. Their recommendations included only using Zelle for trusted contacts and safeguarding account login information.

    The issue highlights a critical need for better consumer protections in digital finance, especially for vulnerable individuals like this victim. As Congress and federal agencies scrutinize these practices, victims hope for accountability and change in the system that has left them unprotected.

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

    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 8:00 am on May 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , seniors   

    Rideshare driver thwarts grandparent scam 

    Rideshare driver thwarts grandparent scam

    By Greg Collier

    In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the routine of driving for rideshare services. But for a Lyft driver based in North Carolina, one particular ride turned into a harrowing experience that shed light on a pervasive scam targeting older adults, the grandparent scam.

    The driver received a request to pick up a woman, who claimed to be picking up important paperwork from a home in Pamlico County. Little did the driver know, she was about to be unwittingly drawn into a scheme that preys on the vulnerability of older individuals.

    Upon arriving at the passenger’s home, the driver encountered a 79-year-old man who seemed distressed and shaky as he attempted to count out a substantial sum of cash. His story unfolded as the driver listened in disbelief. Earlier that day, the man had received a call from someone claiming to be his grandson, alleging he was in trouble and needed bail money. The caller claimed to have suffered a broken nose, stitches in his lip, and a broken leg from a car crash. Additionally, authorities discovered an open bottle of alcohol in his vehicle.

    Believing the voice on the other end of the line, the grandfather rushed to withdraw $6,500 from his bank, which he entrusted to the driver to deliver to the supposed authorities.

    As the driver embarked on their journey, a series of red flags began to unfurl. The woman’s insistence on tracking her movements, coupled with the urgency of the situation, raised suspicions in the driver’s mind. Sensing something amiss, they made the courageous decision to intervene, reaching out to the man’s actual grandson, who revealed he was safe and sound, far from any jail cell.

    What the driver uncovered was a classic case of the grandparent scam, a nefarious ploy that preys on the love and concern of grandparents for their grandchildren. The perpetrators, armed with personal information gleaned from social media and sophisticated technology, exploit the trusting nature of their victims, leaving devastation in their wake.

    Despite their misgivings, the driver bravely stepped forward, urging the rideshare service to take proactive measures to educate drivers about the signs of potential scams and provide support in navigating such situations.

    This incident further highlights the danger often faced by rideshare drivers at the hands of scammers. Just last month, an 81-year-old man from Ohio tragically shot and killed an innocent Uber driver, mistakenly believing the driver was involved in a grandparent scam. In similar scenarios, other unsuspecting rideshare drivers have been confronted by law enforcement officers who mistakenly assumed the drivers were the perpetrators, especially after they had picked up money from the scam victims.

    The experiences of drivers like the North Carolina driver underscore the urgent need for rideshare services to take proactive measures in recognizing and addressing scams. As vital members of their communities, rideshare drivers often find themselves on the front lines of these schemes, unwittingly entangled in fraudulent activities. By implementing robust training programs, providing real-time support, and fostering open communication channels, rideshare companies can empower their drivers to identify and respond effectively to suspicious situations.

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

    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 September 3, 2020 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , seniors   

    Grandparent scammers victimize woman three times 

    Grandparent scammers victimize woman three times

    One of the many problems with being a scam victim is that often the scammers will try to victimize from you again. Usually, the scammers will try to fool you again with a different scam. For example, a scammer might have fooled you with a police impersonation scam. Then, the scammers may try to fleece you again using a Social Security scam. It’s rare to hear of a scammer using the same scam multiple times on the same victim but that’s exactly what happened to an elderly woman in upstate New York.

    In Amsterdam, New York, an 88-year-old woman was contacted by someone who claimed to be her grandson. The scammer said they had been arrested and needed $7,000 in cash for legal fees. The woman gathered the money and sent it to an address in New Jersey.

    A month and a half later, she received another call from the same ‘grandson’. This time they were asking for $10,000 in cash after the phony grandson claimed to be in a car accident.

    Later on, the victim was contacted again. Once again, the phony grandson was asking for another $10,000. This time, an employee at the shipping service she was using asked her about the package. When the woman told them it was cash for grandson the delivery employee believed she was being scammed and contacted the state police.

    Unfortunately, if you’ve fallen for a scam in the past, it’s likely that scammers will try to target you again. Like we said previously, it’s usually with a different scam but it’s not unheard of for scammers to use the same scam multiple times and the grandparent scam is the perfect scam to use that way. If a victim believes the scammer is their grandchild once, they may believe it again.

    As we always advise when it comes to the grandparent scam, if you receive one of these calls, hang up. Then call the actual person the scammers are claiming to be to make sure they’re not in any actual trouble. If it were a legitimate call from a grandchild, they’re not going to be in any more trouble if you stop to take the time to verify their story. You can also ask the caller a question that only they would know or set up a family password to indicate the call is legitimate.

    Again we ask that 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.

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

    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!

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 24, 2020 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , seniors, ,   

    Help protect seniors from scams 

    Help protect seniors from scams

    Today, we’re focusing on a number of scams that have targeted seniors recently.

    The first is what’s known as the tech support scam. In these cases, scammers will pose as tech companies telling seniors that they have viruses on their computers. Usually, the scammers will ask for remote access to your computer. They’ll then install malware on the computer and ask for your financial information as their payment. In a recent case in Florida, two suspects were allegedly pulling this scam and having their victims send thousands of dollars to the scammers under the guise of getting rid of a virus on the victim’s computer. They were able to scam $81,000 out of several seniors from across the country before they were caught. If anyone calls you to tell you that you have a virus, it’s always a scam.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWyWCZVoD4M%5D

    Not all scams against seniors are done over the phone or online. Many scammers are still posing as utility workers. Recently, in San Antonio, Texas a man posed as an AT&T employee. The man went to a senior woman’s home and offered her a deal for TV, internet, and cell service. The woman wrote out a check before finding out that the man did not work for AT&T. The man in question was even wearing an AT&T employee’s shirt. If you ever have any doubts about a utility worker approaching your home always ask to see their worker’s ID. If you’re still unsatisfied you can also call the company’s local office to verify their identity.

    Lastly, both the Federal Trade Commission and the AARP say that the most common scam perpetrated against seniors is the impostor scam. This is when scammers pose as a government agency such as the IRS or Social Security. The scammers will call you on the phone and try to pressure you into making some kind of payment over the phone, often through unusual means like gift cards or wiring the money. Both the FTC and the AARP are expecting scammers to take advantage of the 2020 census as well which we discussed here. If you did owe a government agency money or there was an issue with your Social Security benefits you would receive a letter and not a phone call.

    While you may not be vulnerable to these scams if you know someone who might be please share this post with them.

     
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