Scammed for 40 grand? Ah, how could that happen?
The short story is that a man—an old acquaintance—tipped the scales for love to the tune of $40,000. Cash. Oh, it wasn’t his money. No, no, no…it belonged to his life partner! Of course she knew nothing about it! He just filled out a few credit applications in her name…and voila, the scam was on!
The rest of the story is that he died! Think about that! His daughter inherited his mess: bills lodged against the estate; the good intentions of the trusts and wills out the window!
The girl friend said, “How could he?”
The daughter said, “More than a daughter should have to do!”
And we say? Foolish man! Too bad for the girl friend! Sorry for the daughter!
Personal resolve: it’ll never happen to me! Not on my watch!
So here’s a bit of advice, from an old chaplain, old advice, but still valid: scammers know you more than you think.
They know what you believe, what turns you on. They know the triggers. They know that everyone—and I mean everyone—has a soft spot…for love and affection or for doing the right thing. All scams start with the good cause of love or money. Scams end with shame and debt. It only takes once! And they’re gone! Scammers are smart!
Bottom line: we can be smart too. If it looks like it’s too good to be true, it probably is. If secrecy is the name of the game, it’s suspect! Check it out with a family member or trusted friend. Call your attorney or law enforcement. Scammers won’t like that! But it’ll save your bacon!
