When we first got an email account it didn't take long for a scam email to arrive declaring some long lost relative had died tragically in a plane crash and we had inherited a large sum of money. All we had to do was wire some money somewhere to have that money released to us.
We promptly deleted it.
Over time we received many variations of the same type of email, and some phone calls as well, all of which we ignored. We couldn't help but wonder why they keep being so persistent, surely no one would fall for something like that.
Turns out that yes, occasionally people do believe them, and fall for their lies.
We are currently in shock after learning of one of my elderly uncles who was scammed out of every single penny he had, even going quite deep into debt, wiring money to these unscrupulous scammers.
He has lost his house, and everything he owned. We're feeling sick about the whole mess, and can't help but wonder if there is something wrong with him, because this is so unlike him. Ten years ago he wouldn't even have considered sending them money.
He will be cared for by family, but what a sad way to live the last part of his life.
To say I'm feeling rather uncharitable towards these scammers, is stating it mildly.
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I am so sorry to hear about your uncle being scammed and it is heartening to hear there are people preying on the elderly. My prayers are with him and all your family as this has to be devastating to you all.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is feeling sick, and in disbelief that this happened to him.
DeleteThis is very sad to hear-unfortunately the excitement of having a lot of unexpected money can make some people reckless who would normally be very careful-these scams started about 20 years ago by fax and now by email.
ReplyDeleteElderly people do seem to be particularly targeted.
Phonecalls as you mentioned are happening I have heard more than once about scams saying it's your bank and your account may have been compromised -then they ask to confirm all your details to reset your password and the account is then cleaned
out-this can also happen by email
Scammers will never stop when so much money
can be made so easily
Thankfully most people are becoming more wise to these scams
ani
I didn't know when we purchased it, but our land line phone will say SCAM if it "thinks" there is trouble with the number. I don't know how it does this, but wanted to mention it if others happen to be purchasing phones.
ReplyDeleteHow blessed your uncle is to have relatives to care for him. I will pray for all involved.
Thanks for sharing this as a reminder to all of us.
That's sounds convenient. Usually I ignore calls that I don't recognize the number. I figure if it's a legit call they can always leave a message.
DeleteWhat makes scammers particularly reprehensible is the way that they prey on the elderly. Sometimes quite intelligent older people will fall for a scam like that. It's sad and despicable. I wish there was a way to make those scammers pay back every dollar that they stole from your uncle. Poor man.
ReplyDeleteI also wish there was a way to make these thieves pay back what they stole.
DeleteWhat an awful thing to have happen to your poor uncle.
ReplyDeleteI recently read some research that shows that as we age, our brains change so that we become more trusting. It is sad that there are bad people out there who take advantage of that innocent trust and it is disheartening when we cannot protect our family members.
It makes growing old look a little more scary. Hoping I'll never fall for a scam.
DeleteOh, that is so awful and I am so sorry. I hate what the scammers are doing and have to say, I have unplugged our landline because a scammer came that close to getting info from my husband. I am so thankful to the Lord that I came up behind him just in the nick of time!
ReplyDeleteThankful you were able to keep from getting scammed!
DeleteThat's horrible!! I think I'll have to get rid of all technology and become a hermit when I grow old so these scammers have no way of reaching me.
ReplyDeleteDon't know that I would want to be a hermit, but keeping the scammers away sounds good.
DeleteHello Mary Ann,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this happened to your uncle. I hope he is able to cope with it...somehow... Shame on those swindlers! I wish police could lock them up and throw away the key! I've found you and your blog yesterday while I was googling for Amish people, and I am glad I did! I have already spent a few hours catching up on several posts by you from the past: I love your writing style and everything you write about! I am not Amish myself, I am Italian but I live in Germany and I love the USA. Plus, I have always been interested in the Amish and in their way of life, therefore I look forward to reading all your posts from the past and all your next posts, too, of course. I am glad I'm getting to know you a little better and to learn more about your life as a former Amish girl. Thank you for that! Maybe we can communicate in German? :-)
Blessings
Cecilia
So sorry to hear about your uncle! Some people are so wicked and give so much sorrow.
ReplyDeleteI can't see how they can rest at night after doing things like this!
DeleteThat is truly heartbreaking. God bless. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is truly heartbreaking. God bless. :)
ReplyDeleteOur elderly neighbours were almost scammed just recently; luckily their grand daughter was with them at the time and made them hang up the phone when she thought they wanted too much information.
ReplyDeleteI feel so sad four elderly uncle.
Dianaor y
Sorry, my computer is playing up. That should read, I feel so sad for your elderly uncle.
DeleteDiana
My mum would have fallen for that sort of scam in a heartbeat. She didn't have internet - Thank God! - but if you sent her a letter with some sort of sob-story, she'd send off a check. One year, she donated half of her income to one looney thing or another. My personal favorite was "The Pig Protection Program", which was supposed to be a sort of homeless shelter for mistreated pigs. (I'm serious!)
ReplyDeleteWe did get one of those "I'm stranded and need money" emails, supposedly from a lady at church. I had just spoken to her the day before, and she's on Welfare, so I knew for darned sure she hadn't gotten robbed in London.
One time I was supposedly robbed in London and desperately need money to buy a plane ticket to get back home. I didn't know anything myself until a cousin informed me what is happening.
DeleteThis happened to my mentally disabled aunt a few years ago. She is currently living on the grace of her brothers and the little social security she receives. She has the mental capacity of someone around age 9 or so and her problem solving skills are serious lacking. Preying on the elderly and those who have trouble thinking clearly is pretty low. I, too, feel mighty uncharitable toward those scammers.
ReplyDeleteWe'll add your Uncle to our prayers!
Lea
Oh how sad! You really have to wonder what people do to their consciences to be able to live with themselves. I guess rule # 1 is Do not get to know your victim! We get the "the IRS is suing you" phone call ALL the time, even multiple times a day. Hallelujah for caller ID. I don't have to answer. I'd go crazy otherwise, I'm not a fan of phone calls!
ReplyDelete