Please be aware that recently in a Denver home improvement store’s parking lot, a 68 year old person was approached for a confidence scheme. He was a victim to the scam lost a considerable amount of money. The scam usually takes place in broad daylight and in a public spot, like parking lot or park. Even though there are numerous variations to this scam, it usually looks like this;
|
|
A person with an accent is seeking help and they approach you in a parking lot. They say they can't read or write and ask for your help. He/She openly shows a large sum of money and offers to pay for your assistance.
Another person will approach, and caution the stranger to put the money in a bank. Stranger #1 replies that he doesn't trust banks, but if you prove you can make a withdrawal he would gladly consider putting his money in a bank. You go to the bank and make a withdrawal (they will usually go in the car with you), explaining the ease and safety.
One Web site, for example, says it will send a free CD to show how easy it is to obtain government grants. At the bottom of the page is a difficult-to-read disclaimer stating there’s a $4.97 shipping charge and as a bonus you’re automatically enrolled in its resource site for a monthly fee of $39.95. Should you miss that bit of information, and fail to cancel within 14 days, you could end up paying $495 per year for that “free” CD. Consumers have also filed complaints with the BBB stating that it is almost impossible to cancel within the 14 days because they can’t talk to a live operator, or receive a call back.
You withdraw the money to show the ease and ability to trust banks. They somehow confuse you with the bags of money and the strangers both leave and upon examination of your "safe-keeping" bag of money and there you find you have pieces of cut up newspaper instead of your money.
|
Scammers have also been known to approach an elderly person and ask for help in finding a motel or a church, so they can get the victim to give them a ride. During the ride, the isolated driver is told a story concerning collecting money, and asked to put up "good faith money" to assist in the collection or donation. After a visit to an ATM the suspects then find an excuse to leave the car, with the money, and are not seen again.
Please be aware of anyone that approaches you. Pay attention and if someone tries to involve you in this scam, please call police in your area. After you have called the police please call AARP ElderWatch (1-800-222-4444) and let us know, so we can warn others.
|
