Did you ever get the feeling you are living in a dystopia? Any doubts to the contrary may be dispelled with reports that older American citizens are losing over one billion dollars in scams each year. A recent online story demonstrates how cruel some people are when it comes to fleecing innocent people.

$45,000 in Savings Lost

Senior couples scammed — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

In a heartbreaking anecdote, the original poster’s 70-year-old mother (let’s call her Jill) sent $45,000 in savings to a fake realty company based in Georgia. Sadly, the older generation doesn’t have the necessary skeptical eye with online fraudsters; they are just too trusting in a world filled with scavengers.

Alleged Money Laundering

Old woman shocked on seeing mobile — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The story begins with Jill’s notification that her social security number (SSN) had been stolen and was being used in a money laundering operation. A bogus government official urged Jill to send her cash to the realty firm to keep it safe until her SSN could be replaced. Unfortunately, Jill obliged, and the rest is history.

The Agent Went Dark

Senior grey-haired woman regreting — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Shockingly, fearing her identity had been stolen, Jill took the bait, wiring $45,000 from Wells Fargo to a Bank of America account in Georgia. However, Jill’s error came to light after she reached out to her case ”agent” who had disconnected their phone. Of course, she soon realized what was happening.

Don’t Say a Word

Woman saying silent — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

What’s worse is that the government firm warned Jill to keep it secret for security reasons, so her offspring could not alert authorities until too late. The original poster explains how they filed a police report, contacted Wells Fargo, and asked Bank of America to refund her the money. Unsurprisingly, they are refusing to help the family. So, what more can this poor lady do to get her money back?

Avoid Offers of ‘Help’

Unimpressed woman saying no — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Other than calling Liam Neeson, most responders feel Jill’s money is possibly gone forever, and she must avoid offers of help. There will be countless companies offering to retrieve her money for a percentage, but even these faceless businesses are sometimes linked to the scamming culprits. Only the police and financial authorities can help Jill now.

Health Is Wealth

Old woman anxiety and streesed — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Some philosophical Internet users are more concerned with Jill’s subsequent health than her money. Reports of other scamming victims losing sleep, suffering from anxiety, and feeling untapped outrage could lead to serious health repercussions. Perhaps their best action would be to advertise Jill’s plight and raise some money to help Jill through crowdsourcing.

Does She Have Homeowner Insurance?

Some commentators suggest that checking through Jill’s homeowner’s insurance policy could lead to redemption, though others aren’t convinced. Although there may be anti-fraud clauses in her insurance plan, the likelihood is that her negligence makes any claim invalid.

Teach Her How to Research Companies

The good news for any Internet user is the wealth of verification and review sites available in the modern age. Sites like Trustpilot or Scam Adviser will help consumers with questions about supposedly reputed businesses, granting immediate peace of mind to impressionable citizens.

Power of Attorney

Elderly mother hugging son — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Considering how Jill’s confidence must be shaken now, it would make sense for her children to take financial matters out of her hands. Any wealth holder in their twilight can give power of attorney to family members who can then oversee any major financial outgoings. Sadly for Jill, this would be the sensible option now.

Scammer Hunters

Text message SMS scam — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A short dive into YouTube will yield several excellent channels run by computer wizards who can outscam the scammers. Many of today’s securities scams come from Indian call centers. There are people out there who may know about these realty firm scammers, and they may even be able to scam the fortune back — while this may be fantastical, you just never know.

Source: Reddit.

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