Hi everyone. I’m Jessica. My mom Kathy was the victim of a financial scam in which $110,000 was stolen from her. She’s almost 74, and she’s still working - but she can’t work forever. We are hoping to raise some funds so she can have something for retirement, however modest. We have reported the scam to the authorities, local and federal. Unfortunately, these scammers are smart and made sure there were no traceable wire transfers which means no chance of recovery. Even if you can’t donate, please share this story and talk to your older loved ones about financial scams. Scammers make $900 million a year off of people like my mom, leaving a wake of traumatized and devastated families behind. If you are able to chip in, we very much appreciate your generosity. Anything donated will go into a high-yield savings account for Kathy. More details about Kathy's story are below in her words, so you can know what kinds of things to look out for. On a Monday morning, I received a call from Amazon inquiring about an order for a $1,500 MacBook. I informed them that I hadn't placed such an order. They then informed me that my Social Security number had been compromised and stated that they would connect me with the federal government. I was informed that someone had set up accounts using my identity and was using them for money laundering. My entire identity, including my Social Security number, was linked to these fraudulent activities. They explained that it was imperative to close down these accounts and move the funds to prevent confiscation. Despite the fact that my family wasn't suspected of involvement, I was advised to remain silent, as revealing the situation could lead the perpetrators to flee, putting my money at risk. While I requested permission to discuss this with my family, the caller was extremely persuasive, instilling in me a deep fear of the potential consequences if I were to disclose anything. The men presented fake government badges, which impersonated real people currently working for the same departments in our government. The whole experience felt like a whirlwind, and to this day, I struggle to recall the exact details due to the trauma it caused. They instructed me to transfer the funds to a secure locker, promising their return when the ordeal was over. Following their directions, I withdrew money from the bank, purchased shipping supplies, and meticulously packaged the money before sending it to an address in New Jersey. Subsequently, I received another call, this time late at night, explaining that the caller had taken their daughter to the doctor, and thinking back I believe this personal approach to conversation is how knew he had me. Gradually, they convinced me to not only send cash but also various amounts on GreenDot cards. In hindsight, I believe the intent behind the GreenDot cards was to ensure they received the entirety of my assets, not just the initial shipment. At each turn, they were masterful in their persuasion or intimidation tactics, always crafting their approach to make it seem like they were on my side. There was a moment when I should have realized something was amiss, but by then, I was deeply entrenched and couldn't fathom that things could go awry. They instructed me to leave money in my vehicle at an Applebee's, so someone else could collect the funds left in it. Although it felt wrong, my commitment to their demands had already escalated, and their continuous communication kept me convinced. Since then, I've filed a police report, reached out to the FBI, and explored every avenue available to me based on the information I could recollect from the incident. Regrettably, none of the information has led to uncovering the identity of those involved. I have been informed that the individuals I interacted with in the U.S. were likely victims of the scam themselves as pawns. I find myself cast in the role of an unwitting accomplice in a vast and terrifying scheme to defraud people in similar situations. Having lost my husband in 2016, and despite my children's unwavering support, the absence of the person who was my constant pillar has left me particularly vulnerable. My isolation was further heightened by the fear instilled in me, preventing me from contacting my children. As a result, I found myself in this devastating situation of losing not only my hard-earned savings but also the legacy my husband left behind for me. Sitting here, struggling with the realization that I've lost all the money I diligently saved over my life. However, the weight of that loss pales in comparison to the pain of forfeiting the security that my husband worked to provide for me and our family. This burden hangs heavy on me each day. If there's one takeaway from this ordeal, it's the importance of maintaining open communication with your family and loved ones, even in the face of crisis. No matter how daunting the circumstances, allow those who care about you to be a part of your struggles, for navigating the world alone can be an overwhelmingly terrifying experience.
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