An elderly relative of mine was scammed out of over $15,000 USD when someone called her to tell her that "her favorite nephew" was in hospital for a drug overdose. She was told to send cash, and to keep silent, since this was a 'private' matter.
They received her first payment, then called and asked for MORE! I am told the bank repeatedly asked my relative for a reason for taking out so much cash, but she refused to answer.
When her 'favorite nephew' called her just by chance a day later, she was floored to find out that he wasn't in drug rehab! She was immediately told to call the police, which she did.
She'll never see that money again. All of her family would NOT have believed that she of all people would fall for such nonsense.
PLEASE!
Pay attention to your elderly friends and relatives, especially those who live alone!
This could happen to anyone, at any time. The scammers are VERY GOOD at convincing folks that what they are saying is the truth.
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| This weekend, while I was picking ripe mulberries from a neighbor's tree, this wee raccoon showed up to join me in the feast! I hope his mama was nearby, 'cause this little guy was much too young to be on his own. Once I'd stepped away from the tree, baby racoon raced up the trunk and hid in the leaves, and munched away. Raccoons are considered masked lawbreakers, just like the scammers that 'got' my relative, however, I would have taken this fellow home in a heartbeat...so dang CUTE! |
last spring my "nephew" called my mom at 1:30 in the morning; needed cash because he was in jail and afraid to call his mom for fear of getting in trouble; was pulled over for a DUI
ReplyDeleteat first my mom was scared thinking he really WAS in jail and after she started asking a few questions she realized it was a scam....
anybody will try anything...sad ass society we live in now ~~~~
sorry this happened to your family member ;(
About a year ago, someone from "Microsoft" called my mom and said there was something wrong with her computer. She gave him access to her machine remotely and he locked her out of it, demanding money to "help" her fix it. Thankfully, she didn't give him any money but she did lose the laptop because she was too embarrassed to admit what happened. If I don't recognize the phone number I don't answer it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry this happened to her. I've read they target the elderly because their cognitive functions just aren't what they used to be.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing what these scammers can do. They should all be locked up and the key thrown away. Hiss!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that happened. That is so much money that she would need to live on and those sorry dreck have it now. Good that you published this in the event they call and catch one of us unawares. I hope they find those people.
ReplyDeleteKatie Isabella and Mom
What a shame. Bless her heart. I hope the person that did this has Karma climb in every orifice and create havoc.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. ♥
He is SO cute!!! And it's disgraceful the scams that are out there nowadays. I don't know how these people can live with themselves.
ReplyDeleteThat is a cute little fellow and darn, those scammers are downright evil.
ReplyDeleteIn our area, the favored scam is that they are the IRS and you owe large amounts of $$ - (I have no nieces or nephews or grandchildren, so I guess I am not on those lists !) That raccoon will scam you out of all the cat food ! Purrayers for your relative to get some $$ back.
ReplyDeleteoh my I am so sorry about your relative! I had heard of that scam and a few similar ones (where they call and say your child was in an accident) or something like that. I never answer numbers that I don't know...but so many elderly don't have phones that show the phone number. That is just awful and my heart breaks for your relative.
ReplyDeleteIt's reprehensible what people will do for a quick payout from unsuspecting folk. We don't know how they can sleep at night. Anyway, we're sorry this happened to your relative.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, our mom never answers the phone unless she knows who's on the other end. She is entertained by messages sometimes left, though--like the IRS coming to arrest her and stuff.
That little raccoon sure is a cutie!
That is so sad.
ReplyDeleteNobody should ever be embarrassed being taken by these scammers ~ they are pros! A few months ago, our local news had a story about a scam going, and it even fooled an ex cop! So, nobody is immune! So sorry to hears abouts your friend though. That really sucks. sometimes if someone lives alone, they get these scammers calling, and their thought is "what if it's true?" and they have no one to confirm it doesn't sound right. That is what the scammers are counting on. So glad your friend went to the police. It doesn't make it easier to take though. {{{hugs}}}
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Ruby ♥
Luckily my human doesn't have any favorite nephews, and would not give any relative of hers money. In fact, it is pretty hard to pry any money out of her that isn't attached to a house or credit card bill!
ReplyDeleteWe send evil vibes to any and all scammers!
ReplyDeleteMum saw a little raccoon at her door, he was trying to scam some eats!He ran away when she said Hi!! MOL!!!
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
What a handsome little guy! A raccoon or a cat is more likely to bilk me out of money. I mean, how can you ignore a face like that?
ReplyDeleteDang it I'm so sorry to read about your Aunt.
ReplyDeleteCreeps that do this kind of thing need to be put under the jail. I cannot tell you how many robo/scam calls we get a day. As we've told all our friends, if your name doesn't appear on our screen we are not answering!!
Hugs Cecilia
That is so shameful, the greed and meanness in the world always shocks me. Purrs and prayers for your friend. That little racoon is soooo cute!
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear that. Dad only answers calls from friends who are in his phone and lets the rest go to the machine. Another scam is one we got in the mail. "I have been trying to get in touch with you but cannot find your number so call me at..." Could be a charge per call or worse. Always double and triple check before the check
ReplyDeleteHow very sad..
ReplyDeleteWe have a bunch of raccoons at our house. That lil baby did look a might young to be without his mama, but pretty sure she was close by.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad about your relative. I can't believe what people will do to scam someone!
ReplyDelete