Stories
The Romance Scam: How a Widow Lost $420,000 to a Man She'd Never Met
Patricia’s Story
Patricia, 72, from Texas, lost her husband of 48 years in 2023. She was lonely. Her daughter suggested she try online dating.
In April 2024, a man named “James Wilson” sent her a message on a popular dating site. He was charming, thoughtful, and seemed perfect.
Within weeks, they were talking every day. Patricia had found a best friend - maybe more.
The Relationship
James said he was an engineer working on an oil rig in Nigeria. He couldn’t video call because of “satellite internet limitations.” He couldn’t visit because his contract was “binding.”
IRS Scam: How Robert Lost $83,000 Over 18 Months
Robert’s Story
Robert, 74, from Florida, first received a call in January 2025 from someone claiming to be from the IRS.
“You owe $22,000 in back taxes. If you don’t pay immediately, we will have you arrested and your Social Security benefits will be garnished.”
Robert was terrified. He had always paid his taxes. He didn’t remember owing anything.
Over the next 18 months, Robert paid $83,000 in gift cards, wire transfers, and prepaid debit cards to scammers who called him dozens of times.
The Grandmother Who Lost Her Retirement to a Grandchild Scam
Barbara’s Story
Barbara, 81, from Ohio, received a call at 7 AM on a Tuesday morning. The voice on the phone sounded exactly like her 23-year-old grandson Michael.
“Grandma, please help me. I was in a car accident. I hit a pregnant woman. I’m in jail and they won’t let me go until I post bail. I was drinking, Grandma. Please don’t tell Mom and Dad.”
The call lasted 45 minutes. Barbara spoke with Michael, then a “lawyer,” then a “judge.” They told her she needed to wire $47,000 immediately or Michael would remain in jail for 6 months.
Tech Support Nightmare: How Hackers Stole Everything
Linda’s Story
Linda, 69, from Arizona, was browsing the internet when a big red warning popped up on her screen:
“YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN HACKED! CALL MICROSOFT SECURITY IMMEDIATELY: 1-800-XXX-XXXX”
The screen wouldn’t go away. Her webcam light turned on. She panicked.
She called the number. A man named “David” answered. He was very professional and explained that hackers were stealing her bank information RIGHT NOW. He could help her secure her computer - but she had to act fast.